Flash Fiction # 30 - Training Prevailed
- Jacob RD Johnson
- Jan 4
- 2 min read
Picture Prompt:
300-word Flash Fiction
Post # 30
Week Ending: 1/9/2026
Genre: Thriller
Title: Training Prevailed
It was a spectacular show. If only they knew...
The clock had just struck midnight a few minutes prior. The firework display was in full swing and I felt the concuss of every explosion, popping so fast and hard it almost rivaled the racing of my heart. Sulfur filled the air with a thick fog of rotten eggs crawling around every corner.
Why does that aroma appeal to me?
The web of flashes in the skyline painted variations of pinks and purples across the lake’s reflection that would have made Monet proud. But I couldn't have cared less. My delicate work required concentration. The commotion outside made it difficult to feel the pins in the cylinder lock through the tool and my leather gloves.
Forensics be damned, none of it would matter if I couldn't retrieve the documents inside the desk drawer. I slipped off my gloves for a better feel with my bare fingers. A minute later the lock had been conquered by my clandestine training.
I returned my hands to their sheathes, opened the drawer, and began to thumb through the files inside. A prickling on the back of my neck told me my time was limited. The celebration outside would mask the sounds of anyone coming to catch me red handed. But I couldn't let my fears hold me back now.
These secrets, which had been stolen from my grandfather many years ago, were the legacy of our family and they would return to the rightful owners at last. Finally, after several minutes of rigorous scouring, the file was in my grasp.
That's when the door behind me flew open. Two men entered the room, guns in hand, aimed at me. Moments before, one facet of my training prevailed; another was about to kick some mobster ass!
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