TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "VIOLENT"

    

Welcome! It's another Tuesday! This week the talented authors of Tuesday Tales are writing to the word prompt "violent." I have another excerpt from "Someone Like You."  When you've finished reading my post, be sure to sample the posts of the amazing Tuesday Tales authors. You can find them HERE. 

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“Do you have to sell the house?” Charlie asked her father at breakfast.

“Yep. Need the money. But you’ve found a new place. You’ve got steady work. What’s the problem?”

“I need a workshop. My woodworking business is growing. The basement here has been perfect,” she said, adding milk to her coffee and refreshing her father’s cup.

“Thanks. Yeah, I know. I’m sorry about that. There must be a place – wait a minute! Isn’t there a back room for rent at the hardware store?” He took a muffin from the plate in the center of the table.

“Oh yes! That’s right. Derek told me about that a while ago. I wonder if it’s still available?”

“I bet it is. Can’t cost much. It was kinda small, if I recollect.”

“I’ll check it out.”

A loud crack of thunder made her jump. She peeked out the window. Angry clouds roiled around. A storm was coming. 

"I'd better go before the storm hits," she said, leaving the table. 

Charlie climbed into her car and sped to the hardware store.

When he heard the bell over the door, Derek looked up. He stopped stacking cans of varnish and greeted her.

“Well, howdy, Charlie. Been a long time. How you doin’?”

“I’m fine, Derek. You?”

“Can’t complain. What can I do for you?” He wiped his hands on his work apron.

“I was wondering if you still have that small room in the back for rent?”

“Yep. Can’t seem to find anyone who can use such a small space.”

“It’s big enough for a workshop, though, right?”

“A one-person workshop. Yep.I think you. You thinkin’ about renting it?”

“Actually I was. How much is it?” She sauntered over to the paint color charts and flipped through some paint chips.

“For most people, four hundred. But for you, nothing. Just benefits.” He leered at her.

“Benefits?” She cocked an eyebrow.

“Yeah. I can give it to you for free, if you, uh, cooperate,” he said, drawing closer.

The storm broke. A sharp crack of thunder and a streak of lightning drew her attention. Rain pelted the roof violently. 

Derek ran his forefinger down her cheek. "Don't go out in the storm. We can start the benefits now," he said. 

She swallowed. 

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by.