Short Story - The Horsehair Brush-Posting #1

THE WONDERFUL WATER TREASURE HUNT LINK



I wanted to throw in some other writing I have done just to change things up a bit. This short story has not been published nor has it ever been submitted. I actually wrote it for a writing course I took. It is a bit different and maybe even a little strange. I would like some honest critiquing and responses to it, if you are so inclined. :)

I plan to present it in sections....kind of like a serial story.....as it is about 19 type written pages.
I hope you stick with me and complete this short story.

Posting #1

Carole Shukle

Copyright 1999

The Horsehair Brush

Peggy, exhausted from waiting tables at Mario’s, kicks off her shoes and wiggles her toes as she sits down at her computer to check her E-mail. She looks for a response to the resume she faxed to a prospective employer yesterday. Smiling and leaning back in her chair with her arms raised above her, she stretches to her full length, letting the sensation of relief run through her body. She began to read the emails.

October 3

Dear Peggy,

My name is Granger. After reading your resume and seeing that you have a college degree, I feel that you are qualified for the position I’m offering. I’m looking for an assistant to help me with my work. The pay is good. I need someone who is able to commit to this job for at least a year. Please write if you want more information.

Sincerely,

Granger

Peggy pushes herself away from the computer and stares at the screen wondering what to do. This guy could be some kind of kook. Serial killers flash through her

head like snapshots. Come on, don’t let your imagination get the best of you.

October 4

Granger,

I must say that your letter intrigues me. Right now, I’m working as a waitress. I only recently moved to this area, so I need a good paying job. I’m available for a period of a year. Please give me the job description.

Peggy

October 5

Peggy,

I’m a writer and need a lot of research done. The job would also include other duties. You will basically be making my life easier. There is no point in discussing more details until we have met. I would like you to come for an interview at my apartment tomorrow at 1:00. If you’re interested, I’ll give you my address.

Granger

His apartment? Why not an office? Something is strange here. Peggy wonders why Granger won’t give her all the information now. It’s like “pulling teeth” talking to this guy. I can be stubborn. too. The delicate bone structure of her face is visible beneath her translucent skin. The pulse at her temple beats faster.

October 7

Granger,

I would like to know more about the job, before I commit to an interview. How much is the pay? I feel a little uncomfortable interviewing at your apartment, a neutral location would be better.

Peggy

October 8

Peggy,

The pay is twenty-thousand for a year commitment. We are interviewing at my apartment, because I never leave the apartment. If you are interested in this job, you will need to trust me about this. The address is 1009 Trench Boulevard, Apt. 404. Come at 1:00.

Granger

At twenty-three and one year out of college, Peggy nervously ponders her situation. He never leaves his apartment? Wonder what he means by that? Maybe he is handicapped or something. Twenty-thousand dollars sounds like the bank of Ft. Knox to me. A college degree is supposed to guarantee me more out of life than a foot breaking job and a roach infested room. Maybe I should consider taking this job, even if it sounds a little strange. Besides, I’m a big girl and can take care of myself.