Thorn
Roses are not always beautiful but deadly.
Thorn
D. A. Ratliff
Marnie hesitated on the path, wondering if she was walking into an Agatha Christie novel. The quaintness of the cottage at the end of the flower-laden walkway was overwhelming. She sucked in a deep breath and, pulling her luggage behind her, continued to the doorway.
The echo from the doorknocker had barely faded before the wooden plank door opened. A tall, slender, gray-haired woman offered a thin smile. “You must be Ms. Marnie Douglas. I am Eleanor Cravenwood. Welcome to Rose Thorn Cottage.”
When she entered the cottage, the aroma of roses followed her, and the flower motif continued on the chintz-upholstered furniture. Marnie found it a bit nauseating but smiled as Cravenwood handed her the key to the cottage and a brochure.
“Ms. Douglas, this pamphlet has information about the house and the area. There is central air, as our American guests seem to expect that.” Marnie detected a note of disdain in Cravenwood’s voice as she continued. “The appliances are European but easy to understand. The village is a five-minute walk down the path behind the house. My number is next to the phone if you should require anything. I understand you will only be staying with us for the weekend. I hope your stay is satisfactory.”
“Thank you. I hope it is as well.”
Cravenwood departed, and once alone, Marnie tapped a contact on her phone. She identified herself and gave the password—Day’s end.
“Your goods will be delivered tonight.”
Marnie walked to the rear of the cottage and stood at the sunroom window, staring down an identical flower-strewn back path. It was the perfect location as the path to the village also led to Sir Gregory Smyth-Jones's manor house, the real purpose of her visit. It was fitting that the cottage was called the Rose Thorn, as Sir Gregory was a thorn in her heart.
As soon as her source delivered the gun and ammunition, she would have revenge on the revered Lord Smyth-Jones. The man who killed her sister was going to pay for his sins.
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This microfiction story was written for an under 500-word count writing challenge on the Facebook group Writers Unite!
About the Creator
D. A. Ratliff
A Southerner with saltwater in her veins, Deborah lives in the Florida sun and writes murder mysteries. She is published in several anthologies and her first novel, Crescent City Lies, is scheduled for release in 2026.
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Comments (4)
You set the scene wonderfully, not giving way any details of the ending but doing just enough to let us know it is going to be impactful. You delivered, this is great
Ahah! Marney and her Dame Ag cottage. Love it and a great resolution to a engaging flash.
Love this but want more. This could be a Hallmark Mystery or even a Murder She Wrote script.
Wow, what an ending!