Alicia

Frail Alicia trudged toward the bus stop. Nearly 14, she looked years younger.

She held her hinged leather case tightly in her arms. Years of practice under her father’s tutelage had made her a virtuoso.

When a dark van pulled up alongside, Alicia recoiled. The door flew open and a large man appeared holding a knife.

“Get in little girl, or I’ll cut you, bad.”

Alicia’s body shook, but she caught her breath and reached inside her case. With practiced precision she fired the small-caliber target pistol.

The bullet pattern in the man’s chest covered less than one square inch.

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From: Cops, Crooks & Other Stories in 100 Words, available at Amazon