Accidental - Short Affair - August 24th

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

Prompts – Pillar/Yellow
Word Count (approx.) – 400

(My muse is still playing cat and mouse with me)

......................................................................................

Illya nudged the body with his foot. He didn’t need to look any closer to know the man was definitely dead; nobody’s head could be at that angle naturally. It had been an accident; Illya hadn’t wanted to kill him.

Only five minutes previously, Brian Cheedle had stormed into the cellar where he was holding the Russian captive. Illya had spent three days either chained to a stone pillar, or tied to a steel chair. He could feel bruises covering most of his torso, and was certain there was a broken rib or too, but there had been no point in worrying while he was still chained up.

Cheedle came to a stop directly in front of Illya.

“Your information was false,” he spat. “I don’t like having my time wasted.”

Turning to the guard he’d brought with him, Cheedle ordered Illya to be released from the pillar, then told him to leave. The guard did as instructed, leaving the prisoner slumped on the floor at his captor’s feet.

Illya heard the gun, as it was pulled from the holster, mere seconds before he felt the barrel against the top of his head. He was tired, and he was in a lot of pain, but he was not ready to die just yet. Closing his eyes momentarily, Illya had drawn together whatever reserves he’d had left. With all the strength he could muster, he dived forward and knocked Cheedle’s legs from under him. As he’d fallen, Cheedle had hit the pillar face first. His head had snapped back, breaking his neck instantly.

Getting to his feet, somewhat shakily, Illya plucked the hideous yellow handkerchief from the dead man’s breast pocket. He opened it out and draped it over Cheedle’s face. Turning away, he shuffled towards the door, but before he got there, it was opened from the other side. Illya readied himself to take on the guard, but was pleasantly surprised to come face to face with Napoleon. The American took in the scene, particularly the body of the late Brian Cheedle.

“I come all this way, and you don’t even need a rescue,” Solo quipped.

Despite the levity of the statement, Illya could see the relief in his friend’s eyes.

“If you weren’t always so late, I wouldn’t have to rely on myself.”

Napoleon smiled at the comeback. If Illya was snarky, then all was well with the world.

Comments

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

The yellow handkerchief put over Cheedle's face was a nice touch; a reminder of Illya's humanity. This could almost have done for the What's my line challenge...seeing that Napoleon was 'late, again.'

Nice story, and very descriptive. The fact that your muse is playing cat and mouse is spot on as isn't that what all spies do?

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you like it :-)

I completely forgot about what's my line. I've been concentrating on my Lifecycle story (which may or may not get finished). Does my muse have to be such a good spy? LOL

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Of course your muse does, otherwise she wouldn't give you such good ideas for stories! I actually wrote 2 lifecycle stories. The first one posted on Saturday was Illya-centric, the next one is for Nappy.

Luckily my WML is done while I'm struggling with my WIP. Know where I want it to go but it's giving me a hard time.

[alynwa.livejournal.com]

I can imagine the look on Illya's face when he realized Cheedle is dead. Good story.

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

Thank you :-)

I like to think of Illya as only killing as a last resort.

[otherhawk.livejournal.com]

Huh. Napoleon actually was late there, since if Illya hadn't got himself out, Cheedle would have killed him. So I suppose Cheedle was always going to die in the next five minutes. Good story, you get a lot into so few words, it's impressive.

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

Thank you :-)

Cheedle's fate was definitely sealed, but Illya didn't kill him deliberately.

I'm glad you liked the story. I think it's terrible.

[spikesgirl58.livejournal.com]

How great to read a story in which Napoleon rescues himself! Great use of the prompt, too!

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

I think you mean Illya :-)
I'm glad you liked it. Thank you for commenting.

[spikesgirl58.livejournal.com]

Always and in any form - he's all good!

[avery11.livejournal.com]

For all of the violence, your story is oddly touching. Illya's gesture with the kerchief is surprising and moving. I like the return to banter at the end, as though neither man is anxious to discuss what when down in the room.

As for your muse playing cat and mouse--hey you've written 400 words more than me! Rock on.

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

Thank you :-)

I always imagine they refrain from discussing the truly unpleasant parts of their jobs. It's enough for them to know it happens.

[irisheitie.livejournal.com]

Brava!! It is not terrible at all. You write well and I , too like to see IK with sparks of humanity rather than the ruthless killer type I have seen in a couple of pieces.

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much :-)

I like to think Illya has seen too much death, yet still respects it enough to never get complacent about it.

[jkkitty.livejournal.com]

Thrush never learns do they, and Napoleon did show up. Bruises on bruises sounds like a normal day for Illya.

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

It's is when I'm around :-)
Thank you for reading and ceomenting.