Runner-up in the ‘story in 100’ words competition, July 2008

Suspicious Character

by Jo

I knew he was there; slinking into shop doorways, concealed by hood or umbrella. Cars swooshed through pavement licking puddles, masking other sounds.

I searched; hunting my hunter. But the rain hid him well, pounding down from the sky, steaming up from the pavement; transforming the cloaked figures into mirages.

I sped away. Every foot-fall smacked into the flood.

I waited in ambush, breathing gulps of humid air, fists tight, heart thudding.

“Why are you following me?”

“Why did you run?” he said, accusative.

“I’m sick of you sneaking around to catch me out. Where’s the trust in this marriage?”