Current Issue

Small Town Boy by Jessica R. Ferguson

(2nd Place Winner: BWG Flash Fiction Contest)

The wet earth is obscured by the morning mist. I feel dampness seep through the holes in my soles as I stand close to the house and peer through the window.

I see Jackson Hefner. Arrogant S.O.B. Doesn't seem fair that he's made a name for himself producing and directing movies in South Louisiana. Local newspapers headline him as Small Town Boy Makes Good. And he always gets the girl.

"One more take. Let's wrap this up," he orders.

This time he stars in his own movie. Arrogant S.O.B. He wants it all, doesn't he?

I shift my eyes to Mandy Mansfield, stretched long and sexy on the lavender sheets. Dark hair askew, hot pink nightie arranged just so. Too beautiful for words.

I know the script well. I downloaded a pirated copy from one of my online screenwriting groups. Mandy plays Elizabeth Fruge. She's having an affair with some big politician from small town Louisiana. The gist of the story is––who killed her? The politician's wife, the politician himself…or did Elizabeth Fruge kill herself?

"Ready? Action!"

My screenplays have original story lines.

The gun sounds.

I zero in on Jackson. Total silence. Did I tell you he plans to run for Governor of Louisiana?

Arrogant S.O.B. wants it all.

"Put that gun in her right hand," he instructs. "Then tell me where the hell real bullets came from?"

He didn't get the girl this time. Small-town boy makes good…and that will be me.