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101 Word Short Stories

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Manhattan Muscle

June 1, 2025 4 Comments

By William P Adams

Cappy Feathers ducked into the Fisheye Lounge, the clip joint operated by Ducky Shincracker. His reputation for not suffering fools gladly was legendary. Classy Lassiter, Ducky’s main squeeze and enforcer, was seated at the bar, sipping a Manhattan.

“Is he in the back?”

“Yeah. And he ain’t happy.”

“You think it’s on account of us being short this month?”

“No, it’s because you’re the one who’s short.”

“Dammit, Classy, I’m in a helluva bind.”

“Go in and take your medicine. You know he’s all bark.”

Cappy lumbered toward Ducky’s office.

Classy drew the sharpened ice pick from her bag and followed.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Alan Moskowitz says

    June 4, 2025 at 7:21 pm

    A great noir drabble!

    Reply
    • William P Adams says

      June 6, 2025 at 10:22 am

      Thanks Alan!

      Reply
  2. Bud Pharo says

    June 5, 2025 at 2:32 pm

    Great story! Like noir feeling.

    Reply
    • William P Adams says

      June 6, 2025 at 10:22 am

      Thanks Bud!

      Reply

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