draliman on life

It’s time for Mondays Finish the Story, Barbara Beacham’s photo/opening sentence challenge. This week’s topic was suggested by J.A. at Living Authors Society. The supplied opening sentence is in bold in my story below.

To read the other stories, click on the blue froggy.

Copyright B.W. Beacham

“Where did they go?”

“Don’t know,” replied Juan.

Pedro hefted his aged assault rifle. “I don’t like this. Everyone should be here. They said to come at once.”

“Perhaps the Iron Dogs killed them? They’ve always been jealous of our cartel’s success,” replied Juan.

They slipped closer, alert for any movement.

“Silent as the grave,” whispered Juan as they approached.

“I hope ‘grave’ is not an apt choice of words, my friend.”

The pair entered the open courtyard, trigger fingers twitching. Suddenly there was movement all around as yelling shapes jumped out of the shadows.

“SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTH…”

Taken completely by surprise, the pair’s combat training took over.

“RAT-A-TAT-A-TAT!”

Bullets flew, blood sprayed in a red mist, bodies blew apart. In seconds it was over.

“Oh, shit,” said Juan, as a bullet-ridden banner proclaiming “Happy Birthday, Juan!” fluttered sadly to the ground.

Pedro picked his way through the carnage of Juan’s family to a trestle table. “Happy birthday, man. Cake?”