Written for Fandango’s Story Starter #219.
This is my story, using Fandango’s opening line.

Everything about her was a lie. From the moment she sashayed into my office, I knew I was in trouble. She was the kind of dame that could make a man forget his own name with just a glance. But I should’ve known better. I should’ve seen through the smoke and mirrors.
She spun me a tale of woe, claiming she was being blackmailed by Knuckles McGinty. She needed my help to get out from under his thumb and I fell for it …. hook, line, and fish net stockings.
As I dug deeper into the case, I realized she was playing me like a Stradivarius. Knuckles wasn’t the real threat …. she was. She’d been the mastermind behind the whole scheme, using her beauty, her feminine wiles and her lying crimson lips to talk me into doing her dirty work.
But by then, it was too late. I was in too deep, and there was no turning back. I had to outsmart her and Knuckles if I hoped to make it out alive.
When all was said and done, I managed to turn the tables on her, but not without a few scars to show for it. I learned the hard way that not everything that glitters is gold …. especially when dealing with a deceitful beauty.
NAR©2024
#FSS
This is “Dirty Work” by Steely Dan
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for Nancy Richy and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.

It is coming smoke inside or outside discrive it
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Great storytelling, Nancy – perfect song choice too.
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Thanks, dear Keith. I was pleased I remembered that one from Steely Dan!
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this song just played here about an hour ago…not a coincidence, been a favorite for decades….
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It’s a great number by Steely Dan and goes well with my story, I think.
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Good story Nancy
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Thanks, Di. I’m pleased to know you enjoyed it.
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Love this:
“I fell for it …. hook, line, and fish net stockings.”
Perfect song choice to go with also, Nancy. Didn’t Loretta Lynn sing about her: “Women like her are a dime a dozen, you can find them anywhere.”
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Thanks very much, Lisa. I’m sure Loretta Lynn was just one of many who sang a song about a woman trying to steal her man. It’s a great topic, in any genre.
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You’re very welcome.
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Lovely story
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Thanks very much, Sadje.
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My pleasure dear Nancy
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“deceitful beauty”…😬 always intriguing lol…
i like how you say this, Nancy …🤍
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Thanks very much, Destiny. If I could turn everything into a noir detective story, I would! 😂😎
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lol, it’s what keeps us guessing …😁
my pleasure, Nancy…🤍
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I love this story and song!!! 🤩
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Lisa, I’m so pleased to know that! Thank you very much!
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You’ve really put yourself in that character’s shoes. So well done ❤️
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Great comment and compliment, Esther. Thanks very much.
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The ultimate femme fatale- Great storytelling!
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Noir is so much fun! Thanks!
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Nice take on the prompt, Nancy and the perfect song to match your post.
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They go well together, don’t they? Thanks, Jim.
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👏👏 Bravo, Nancy. A great noir tale beautifully told and the Steely Dan song was the perfect accompaniment. Thank for joining in this week’s Story Starter prompt.
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Good prompt, Fan. It’s been a while since I wrote some noir; it’s so much fun. Thanks, Fan.
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A good old Steely Dan song, and so appropriate for tale of femme fatale, Nancy
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OUCH! Interesting video! Another good one would have been Eurythmics “Would I Lie To You”.
Thanks, dear Ivor.
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My absolute pleasure. Nancy 😍🌏🎶
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Wise words, and one of my all time favourite songs 👍
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Thanks, Clive! It’s a great song and it works!
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