The Story Game

by R.T. Lawton

About the Author: R.T. Lawton is a retired federal law enforcement agent and a past member of the Board of Directors for the Mystery Writers of America. He has over 140 published short stories in various anthologies and magazines to include 47 sold to Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine. Six of his story collections can be found in paperback and/or e-format on Amazon.

Excerpt

Ian and Faye sat on wooden chairs outside the small Italian café just at the edge of the cobblestone plaza. Their backpacks lay at their feet, while their bicycles leaned against the front wall of the café. Two small white cups of espresso sat on the marble-topped table before them. Four other similar tables, all empty this morning, were crammed into the narrow space just outside the café’s front door.

Ian picked up his cup and sipped the dark, rich brew. When he lowered the cup, he inclined his head in the direction of two young men lounging against the white stucco wall of the building off to his left. Both men were sporting dark, three-day-old beards on their cheeks.

“What do you think their story is?” he asked in a low voice.

Faye smiled and then took up the game they had played in some of the small villages whenever they took a break while traveling the backroads across Europe. Surreptitiously, she studied the two young men.

“Based on their Mediterranean complexion, black hair and the clothes they’re wearing, I would say they are Italian.”

“That’s too easy,” Ian replied. “We crossed the border into Italy a couple of days ago.”

“Hold on,” said Faye. “I’m not finished.”

Ian warmed himself with another sip of his espresso before saying, “Sorry, please continue.”

Story Comments