Frank Rogan, a huge man with a fearsome-looking scar down the side of his face, hoisted himself out of the police car; ice blue eyes cold as death stared at his detective.
“What’s up, Finney?”
“It’s them Italian boys, Chief, the ones from the projects. We nabbed ‘em!”
“Where are they?”
“In the tunnels below St. Monica’s.”
Shoving his way passed the detective, Rogan stepped into the dank tunnel; it reeked of urine, paint and hopelessness. At the bottom of the steps were two patrolmen, hands firmly detaining two scared boys. A third boy leaned against the wall, hands thrust deep in his pockets, cap low on his forehead.
“Well, if it ain’t Nicky Pisano and his two stinkin’ turds.”
The cops laughed; Rogan ordered they take the two boys back to the police car. “You too, Finney. Me and Nicky got business to take care of.”
Once alone, Rogan shoved Nicky to the ground. “You and your bastard ginzo friends have been busy down here, Nicky, desecrating the church. Now you’re gonna pay for this sullying.”
Rogan loomed over Nicky. “You’re one of them pretty boys, ain’t ya? You look like your mother sprawled on her back.” Rogan sneered, his hand rubbing the scar on his face.
Nicky roared and sprang to his feet but Rogan was ready, grabbing Nicky by the neck.
“Up against the wall or on your knees, pretty boy – however you like it.”
Unbearable pain seared through Rogan’s groin as Nicky’s shiv found its mark.
NAR © 2023
250 Words
Authors’ Note: St. Monica is the patron saint of wayward children and troubled boys.
The Elephant's Trunk 
Vengeance called for, and swiftly answered with the twist of a blade.
Good answer to bad cops; well done, Nancy!
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Thanks, Liz! This is not the original ending I had planned. I’m glad I changed it; there would have been much more punishment doled out by bad cops which was totally unnecessary. This turned out better. I’m very glad you liked it!
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Sometimes those word limits really help us find out what we most wanted to write!
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What a thriller, Nancy! Love the ending and video.
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A little dark, KK; quite certain it’s not far from real life. Thanks, my friend!
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Jings, Nancy, did you forget to take your happy pills?
Brutally realistic and realistically brutal, with no sign of humanity anywhere.
I love it!
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Oh, that does my heart good, CE!
For someone who’s never experienced a single day of brutality, I certainly do write a lot about it.
Scary what’s in my head!
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Shudders.
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That’s great! Just what I hoped your reaction would be, D! I had an even darker ending planned but I wasn’t sure how it would have been received by the WP general public. At the last minute I softened the blow.
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We’re used to the dark!
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Good tale Nancy
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Thanks, Di. Lots of dark stories generated by this photo this time around.
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Indeed
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Ouch!
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That what Rogan said! 🤣
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Wow, scary stuff, Nancy. Real thriller material. And sums up a time and a place. I have to say I liked the ending just the way it is.
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Thanks much, Jenne! The graphic was dark this time around; I got the feeling there weren’t too many happy things going on in those tunnels.
I’m rather fond of the ending, myself. The big galoot got it where it’ll do the most damage. He’ll never hurt another person that way again.
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I could imagine the scene playing out as I read it! Brilliant!
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You honor me, Keith; thank you, luv, for your supremely kind comments.
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Enjoyed the story and the video. 🙂
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Thank you, Dear Sighs! Hope you’re feeling better today.
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Love the ending Nancy! Wonderful story! ❤
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Thanks, CA. That’s good to know; I originally had a different ending but thought it might be more suitable for the dark web. 😎
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