Slicker Than an Oil Stain

by Earl Corp

Write A Modern Fable Contest Winner

Slick was a third generation crook. His grandpa, Gus, had been a soldier for the Dutch Schultz mob during the depression. His father, Clamps, had been an enforcer who was sent up for life when Slick was seven.

Slick’s calling was mugging. He considered himself an expert with a switchblade. He loved seeing the horror on his victim’s faces when he pulled his knife on them.

He was waiting for someone to come by the mouth of a dark alley. The street light at this location was out and Slick was nearly invisible because he was dressed in a dark hoodie and black jeans.

He heard her before he saw her. She was wearing heels that clattered with every step she took. He peered around the corner to gauge where she was at in her approach. She was wearing an evening gown and carrying a clasp purse and 15 feet away.

Slick took a steadying breath and let it out before stepping onto the sidewalk, He pulled the knife from his pocket. He stepped into her path, and with an audible “click” opened his switchblade.

“Give me your valuables or I’ll carve you up into little pieces.”

“Oh my,” she exclaimed.

Slick smiled as she started rummaging through her purse. In fact, he was still smiling as the bullet erupted from the purse and buried itself in his chest.
****

And the moral of the story is…..
Don’t bring a knife to a gunfight.

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Writing Prompt
Write a short fable-like story where the last sentence starts with: "And the moral of the story is". This can be on any subject, true or fictional, and can be in any voice, as long as the moral is stated in the last line. A new twist on an old fable is also allowed. Be creative and have fun! Maximum word count: 300