Mr. Suit (5 page)

A
n
Indian family of nine, including one grandmother and six children, watched the
whole thing from the safety of the supermarket foyer.

When
it was all over, they went over to survey the damage.

The
father of the group wandered between the bodies rubbing his chin and shaking
his head.

Soon
as he noticed that Archie was still alive, he took off his blue polyester
jacket and put it under Archie’s head.

“Quick,
someone. Help,” the man called to the crowds who were now pouring from the
shop. “This one’s still alive.” He bent closer to Archie. “It’s OK, I’m a
doctor. Are you all right?”

Archie
blinked as fiercely as he could manage, tears flowing from his eyes and forming
tiny puddles on the concrete.

‘6,
21, 3, 11’

‘6,
21, 3, 11’

‘6,
21, 3, 11’

~
end ~

T
his
novella goes out with thanks to the Crimeficwriters for their support and
encouragement, especially to Chris Rhatigan, AJ Hayes, McDroll and Walter
Giersbach for their valuable critiques on this work.

It is
also published with thanks to those in my life who have helped me through the
darkness of the weeks before publication; without the words of sympathy and
condolence, this may not have seen the light of day for many a month.

a Sea Minor Publication