Tag Archives: short story

The Handbag

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“Oh please darling, I like it” Cindy said allowing her hands to caress the soft leather of the handbag.

John watched mesmerised as his girlfriend’s hands stroked the shiny black leather. Softly as though stroking a cat Cindy’s delicate fingers moved back and forth.

“Its beautiful John. Your little bunnykins wants it” she purred, her eyes holding out the prospect of the evening to come.

John glanced at the price tag.

“We can’t afford it babe, £350 is a lot of money. Sorry sweetie”.

John glanced up at the dark sky as they exited the shop. Black clouds loomed threateningly overhead.

“It’s going to pour down. We’d better run to the car before the heavens open!”

“You don’t love me” Cindy said turning away from him.

“You know that isn’t true darling. I’d do anything for you” John replied taking Cindy’s arm.

Cindy shook herself free angrily.

“Mean man, there is always money for going down the pub with your mates. Nothings to much trouble when you’re meeting the boys but when ever I want something its always, “sorry sweetie, it’s too expensive”. You’re a selfish bastard, you don’t give a shit about anyone else”.

“That isn’t true!”

“Yes it is and you know it!” Cindy said turning away from John and walking in the opposite direction to that in which they had been heading.

“Where are you going?”

“Anywhere to get away from my mean boyfriend!”

“Don’t be like that Cindy” John said striding after her.

“I’ve had enough John, its over”.

“Just because I wouldn’t buy you an overpriced bloody handbag. It was probably made in Thailand for peanuts and its being sold here for £350! Anyway who bought you those designer boots you’re wearing and the leather coat?”

“I know darling but, please buy your bunnykins that lovely bag. I like it. Cindy loves her Johnykins” she said taking John’s hand and smiling that bewitching smile which never failed to produce the desired result.

“Well I suppose I could use the credit card”,

“Oh you do love me darling” Cindy said standing on tiptoe to kiss her boyfriend full on the lips. John shivered at the prospect of the delights to come.

“We’d better hurry before the shop closes” he said.

 

—

 

“That’s disgusting, some girls have no pride”.

John had been drifting off to sleep following a particularly energetic bout of bedroom antics but at the sound of his girlfriend’s voice he turned to face her.

“What’s that my darling?”

Cindy gestured towards the television which stood on a stand in the corner of the bedroom.

“Look at her. I’d die of shame before I’d do that”.

“What Cindy?” John said rubbing his tired eyes.

“Sleep with men for money. Christ some girls have no pride. Turn it off darling, it’s horrible, I can’t watc

 

The end h it” Cindy said with a shiver.

Book Review: Samantha By K Morris

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I was delighted to receive the below 4 star review of my story Samantha

“Samantha is the first book that I have read by this author but I can assure you that it won’t be the last. From the first page he had me captivated as I

followed the journey of Samantha, a troubled girl from a privileged background who finds herself out on the streets through no fault of her own. The author’s

attention to detail throughout the book is excellent and the characters were all easy to identify with.

 

Although Samantha is a short book, it is nonetheless a very satisfying read and I very much look forward to more works by this author.”

For the review please visit http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R1I8EMOV3SFDLM/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B00BL3CNHI&channel=detail-glance&nodeID=341677031&store=digital-text

Teenage Kicks

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Below is an extract from a story I am working on. The story looks at what happens when a lonely and confused 14-year-old girl, pretending to be 18-years-old, places an advertisement on the internet. Will she, as she hopes “have a laugh” or will what Lizzie perceives as a bit of harmless fun end in tragedy. This is just a taster. It is not my intention to publish the whole story free online. When finished and polished it will be on Amazon. I’d be interested to hear what you think. Kevin

 

“Don’t kiss me darling. You’ll smudg my makeup” Monica said giving her daughter a perfunctory hug. “I’ll be back late so don’t wait up. There’s a pizza by the microwave. Don’t answer the phone or the door to anyone. You know I’ll always call you on your mobile”.

Lizzie raised her eyes heavenwards. “Yeah mum, see you later”.

“Bye darling” Monica said picking up her fake crocodile handbag, which complimented the boots, and headed for the front door.

Lizzie grunted unintelligibly and headed for the stairs, the pizza could wait.

“I wish you wouldn’t do that darling. You can speak well when you choose. You don’t need to grunt like an animal”.

Without pausing in her stride Lizzie climbed the stairs. As she reached the halfway point the sound of the closing front door could be heard. Lizzie sighed continuing to climb the uncarpeted stairs. Reaching the top she walked straight on entering her room.

Lizzie pulled out a folding dining chair and, sitting down reached for her laptop. Clunk, she turned to see a screw from the chair lying on the threadbare carpet. Lizzie bent and retrieving the screw proceeded to tighten it with a mini screwdriver she extracted from the desk drawer. She knew her handiwork wouldn’t last. The thread of the screw was so worn but it should hold for a while longer.

Lizzie reached for the switch on her laptop. As she leaned against the desk it wobbled. The desk had come from MFI a DIY shop which had closed some 25 years ago and had been given to Monica, by Lizzie’s grandparents as had the Windows 2000 laptop.

“All my friends are using at least Windows 7 but I have to use fucking 2000!” Lizzie said banging her fist on the desk which shook precariously with the impact.

Lizzie switched on the machine and as it powered up glanced listlessly at her history homework. “World War I was caused by imperial rivalries between the great powers. Discuss”. “Who gives a fuck” Lizzie said outloud. “What has what Germany, Russia and the other countries did 100 years ago got to do with me? I don’t give a shit”. With a flick of her wrist Lizzie sent her homework over the edge of the desk. The momentum carried the papers across the room where they came to rest under Lizzie’s bed. The act of clearing her desk relieved some of the pent up anger in the girl. Feeling somewhat calmer Lizzie entered her password. Once logged on she sat stirring for long minutes at the monitor. Did she really want to do this? It was dangerous, you never knew what weirdos lurked out there in cyberspace. But she didn’t have to actually meet anyone. It would be a laugh, something to giggle about with her mates. She would put an ad on the web, maybe chat to some guys, get them all excited, maybe promise to meet them but she wouldn’t actually go through with it. God they would be pissed off waiting for a girl who never actually turned up. She imagined guys sitting in restaurants, glancing at their watches until, eventually the penny dropped that the girl they had been chatting with wasn’t going to show. “Serve ‘em right, the dirty pervs” Lizzie said as she clicked on one of the many sites which offer free advertising.

“18-year-old blonde seeks no strings fun with a generous guy”, Lizzie giggled as she typed. There was an option to upload a photograph. Lizzie thought about doing so. It was unlikely that her mum or any of her teachers would see the ad but, being a cautious girl she decided against posting a picture. Possibly she would send one to blokes if they asked.

“I confirm that I am at least 18-years-of-age or older and that I have read and agree to abide by the terms and conditions”. Lizzie checked the box and clicked on the create account button.

A brief moment of panic seized Lizzie. What had she done? She was 14-years-old for Christ’s sake, who knew what pervs would answer her ad. But the site provided her with a unique e-mail address ensuring that no one need know her actual e-mail unless she chose to let them know it which, of course she had no intention of doing.

Time for that pizza Lizzie thought as she switched off the laptop. She would come back later to see what saddos had responded to her add. At the bedroom door Lizzie hesitated. She turned back and sat down at her desk. Lizzie reached for the laptop’s power button. She would delete her ad. “I must have been out of my mind putting that ad on there, I’ll delete the bloody thing. Fuck it, why should I? My life is boring as fuck. Mum doesn’t give a shit about me. I was an accident she once told me. A split condom in the back of a car and she couldn’t be bothered to have an abortion. Typical selfish bitch. I didn’t ask to be born but I’m here and I’m going to have a laugh. I won’t meet the blokes but it will be something to tell the girls about”. Rising from her chair Lizzie headed decisively for the stairs.

Street Walker And Other Stories Available In The Kindle Store

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My latest collection of stories, “Street Walker And Other Stories” is now available in the Kindle Store. In this collection of flash fiction we meet a variety of characters, many of whom have been deeply damaged by life. The stories range from a young prostitute

who walks the dangerous streets of London to tales of vengeance and comeuppance. Serious issues of abuse of power are touched upon. Anyone who is looking

for a comfortable read should avoid this book.

You can find “Street Walker And Other Stories” here, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HLRNDP4 (for the US) and here, http://www.amazon.co.uk/Street-Walker-other-stories-Morris-ebook/dp/B00HLRNDP4/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1388476386&sr=1-1&keywords=Street+Walker+and+other+stories (for the UK). For my Amazon Author’s Page please go to http://www.amazon.co.uk/K.-Morris/e/B00CEECWHY/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0.

Gasping

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“How could he do it? Put a pillow over Tony’s face and”. Jean shuddered unable to finish her sentence.

“There was always something not right about that lad. Didn’t I tell you he wasn’t right in the head?” Tina said addressing the small group who sat at a corner table in the Grapes, a bottle of white wine between them.

“Yeah Tina, you always said that” Martha said as she poured herself another glass of wine.

“But why? A kid just doesn’t up and suffocate his dad like that. There must be a reason. Kids aint born evil” Jean said.

“Bloody do gooder, why are you always looking for reasons. Boy is evil, that’s all there is to it” Tina responded banging her fist on the table as she spoke. “I’m sick of people making excuses. No wonder the country’s in the state it is, because people like you say “oh poor lad, we must understand him”. Understand him, the boys a monster. They should throw away the key. They won’t though. A good lawyer, paid for out of my bloody taxes and he’ll be out in 5 (7) years maximum”.

“They never should have got rid of the rope. You remember me saying that don’t you Tina?” Martha said appealing to her friend.

“I do Martha and I always agreed with you on that, as god is my witness I’ve always believed the biggest mistake this country ever made, apart from joining the Common Market, was to get rid of hanging. That little bugger will be living the life of riley while the poor bloody tax payer foots the bill”.

“But the kid’s only 13” Jean said.

“13, that’s old enough to know the difference between right and wrong. Society is going to the dogs. Have you seen Wendy’s Lucy? 14-years-old and pushing a pram and it’s the fucking tax payer who picks up the bill again!” Tina said banging her glass on the table.

“He was such a lovely man was Tony. Always laughing and joking and now that little sod has murdered him. Christ I don’t know what the worlds coming to. I’m glad that I haven’t got much longer on this earth” Martha said.

“Come off it Martha you will outlast us all” Tina said. “Hows little Ronnie” (referring to Martha’s grandson).

“Oh he’s great. Do you know what the little rascal did the other day?” The conversation moved on the subject of Tony forgotten.

 

—

 

He felt the pillow pressed against his little face. He gasped for air. Just as he thought “I’m going to die” the weight was removed. It was always the same. For no reason the pillow or a cushion would be pressed against his face and at the moment when the boy felt he couldn’t take any more the torment ceased, until the next time.

He was a patient child. He waited the hate like a fire kindling within him. An afternoon of drinking in the pub. A man taking his last snooze on the sofa. You, dear reader know the rest.

The Promotion Starts Today

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My collection of short stories, Sting In The Tail And Other Stories, is free to download from Monday 2 December until Friday 6 December. To download Sting In The Tail please visit http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sting-tail-other-stories-Morris-ebook/dp/B00DFK6R54 (for the UK) and http://www.amazon.com/Sting-tail-other-stories-Morris-ebook/dp/B00DFK6R54 (for the US). The promotion is scheduled to begin at approximately 12 pm on 2 December.

My short story, Samantha remains free to download until 3 December. To obtain your free copy please visit http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samantha-K-Morris-ebook/dp/B00BL3CNHI (for the UK) or http://www.amazon.com/Samantha-K-Morris-ebook/dp/B00BL3CNHI (for the US). One reviewer has the following to say about Samantha

“In this short but powerful story, the reality of life smacks the reader in the face and makes you wonder if this is how many of today’s so called “Ladies

of the night” also started? Hopefully, it will also make female readers think twice before accepting a drink from that seemingly charming stranger”.

Juliette

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Marcus Fielding gazed fixedly at the kitchen knife.

“Look old chap why don’t you put that thing down and we can chat over a whisky like civilised human beings”.

The visitor made no answer save for the sickly smile which slowly spread across his sallow face.

“Look here old man if you leave now we will say no more about it. You where never here. A nods as good as a wink to a blind horse and all that”.

The stranger’s smile broadened. He shook with silent laughter.

Marcus wondered if he could reach the panic button on his key ring. If he could do so then the private security firm who guarded the house would be there in a matter of minutes. Why the bloody hell had they not stopped his unwelcome guest from reaching him in the first place?! Marcus casually reached towards his pocket.

“I wouldn’t do that if I where you”. The stranger’s voice was flat and expressionless but the coldness in his eyes caused Marcus to shiver involuntarily.

“As you like. I was only retrieving my handkerchief” Marcus said placing his hands on the desk. “Is it about a girl?”

“Ah Mr Fielding we all know your reputation with the ladies don’t we? I bet there is a queue of irate husbands wanting to punch that smug face of yours, not to mention the angry fathers baying for your blood. You like them young I understand, anything over 16 and, preferably below 30”

“Was it Jenny” Marcus asked thinking back to the leggy blonde he had picked up on Friday evening. God she had been as thick as two short planks but Marcus didn’t care. It was whether they where good in bed which interested him.

“Who is Jenny?”

“You haven’t come about Jenny. Then who have you come about?”

“Juliette”.

A look of puzzlement flitted across Marcus’s face. His position as a leading literary critic enabled him to bed more or less any girl of his choosing. A few well chosen words about how he could create a best selling author had the ladies eating out of his hand. It was lies of course and it never ceased to amaze Marcus that so many girls fell for the yarn, hook, line and sinker. He couldn’t remember the name of every lady he had had the pleasure of sharing his bed with, however he was almost positive that none of his conquests where called Juliette.

“No, sorry I don’t believe that I have had the pleasure of meeting Juliette”.

“I can assure you that you are intimately acquainted with Juliette”.

“I honestly can’t recollect having met the lady in question”.

“She is my dearest possession and you destroyed both me and her”.

Marcus was convinced that he was dealing with a mad man.

“What does she look like? If you describe her then perhaps I may remember her”.

“She is the love of my life. We spent many happy years together. She began as a tiny thing and grew into a beautiful creation. But you destroyed her!”

“She is your daughter? How can a night of passion ruin the life of a young lady? You are upset but young ladies have the right to choose who they date. Painful as it no doubt is there comes a time when a father must let his little girl go out into the big bad world and explore”.

“She is here with me, my Juliette”.

Christ he really was dealing with a lunatic Marcus thought.

“Here she is” the visitor said extracting a crumpled manuscript from his breast pocket. “You trashed my labour of love, my Juliette. Do you know how long it took me to write Juliette? 2 years. Yes 2 years of burning the midnight oil. It cost me my marriage and you, you go and wreck my literary career with half a page of newsprint. Half a bloody page is all it took to destroy my life. I’ve come here to finish it. To let you know what you have done before the grim reaper strikes”. The visitor raised the knife. Marcus closed his eyes preying that it would be quick. There was a gurgling sound followed by a thud. Marcus opened his eyes to see his visitor sprawled across the floor blood soaking into the expensive carpet.

Review Of Sting In The Tail

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I was delighted to receive the following 4 star review of my collection of short stories, Sting In The Tail And Other Stories, on Amazon

“Several short, gritty tales from the dark side – no, not horror or star wars type dark side, but the dark side of humanity where self interest holds sway”. For the review please visit http://www.amazon.com/review/RT7UWA5FCFNM4/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B00DFK6R54&channel=detail-glance&nodeID=133140011&store=digital-text.

Sting In The Tail will be available free in the Kindle store from Monday 2 December until Friday 6 December.

PROMOTION!

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My short story Samantha will be available, free, in the kindle store from the 29th November until the 3rd December.

Samantha tells the story of a young girl forced into prostitution in the city of Liverpool. Can Sam’s love for Peter, a man she meets in a nightclub, save her? Or will Sam end her life in the murky waters of Liverpool’s Albert Dock?

You can find Samantha here for the UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samantha-K-Morris-ebook/dp/B00BL3CNHI/ref=la_B00CEECWHY_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1385578397&sr=1-1

And here for the US: http://www.amazon.com/Samantha-K-Morris-ebook/dp/B00BL3CNHI/ref=la_B00CEECWHY_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1385578397&sr=1-1

You can view reviews of my books here: http://newauthoronline.com/reviews-of-my-books/

 

A Day In The Life Of Writing Competition

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I am considering entering RNIB’s annual writing competition. This year entrants are being asked to write a story on the theme of “a day in the life of”. The story may feature either a real or ficticious person. You can find entries from last year’s competition here, http://www.rnib.org.uk/getinvolved/membership/membersbenefits/visionmagazine/Pages/vision_magazine.aspx.