Double Bass Concerto
The body slid down the wall and sat, silent, without the thrum of its heart.
No one had missed the soloist yet. The double bass concerto was planned for the second half of the program: Giovanni Bottesini. Concerto No. 2 in B minor.
A shame, really… it would have been beautiful.
But musicians have debts just like the rest of us, and their money tends to be tied up in instruments. This particular double bass, for instance, was worth about $17,000, and, though it didn’t quite cover what the musician owed, Rick figured it was close enough – for jazz.
Rick smiled, and yet he was sad.
He liked music.
After a couple week’s absent, this is my response to the Friday Fictioneers prompt (care of Rochelle Wisoff Fields). This week’s prompt (the photo up yonder) was provided by Roger Cohen.
If you’d like to read some really good stories based on that prompt, go ahead and click the little blue fella to check them out. You won’t be disappointed.
As always, I’m looking forward to hearing what you think of my story. Criticism is more than welcome!
pinionpost 
I like this, reminds me of Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon fleeing “The Mob” in the film “Some Like It Hot”. Especially liked “without the thrum of its heart” alhough associated more with musical instruments, I can see why you used thrum here. Nice
Dee
A hit man with, if not a conscience, at least a love for music. Nice.
Welcome back, Brian. I was wondering where you’d gone! Hard-hitting story this week.
Thanks – I drop off every now and then, though without very good excuses :p. Thanks for welcoming me back!
Hey Brian,
I missed your work, man. Glad to see you are back. Straight forward, like your MC. A cold calculated man who values money more than human life. Well told. I Like that he smiles at the end, taking pleasure in his gains and maybe even in the other man’s death.
Tom
That makes me happy to hear! It’s good to be back writing after a bit of a break working on longer stuff. Appreciate it, Tom!
Excellent! Great take on the prompt. That is one thing I always think about when I look at these instruments. They are like treasures and so delicate. I liked this a lot. It’s one of the best stories I’ve read today.
Well thank you, indeed – that’s nice of you to say!
Hi Seamus Yes commercial autndiois are a tough game. But as I mention in the book you have to look out for clues to help you and you need to prepare even if its a commercial with no dialogue. Remember ever audition is an advertisement of you and your craftHow did you find the book ?
Hi Brian,
Dying for your art, how noble. Those music store guys are heartless! Very well written, as your stories always are. Ron
Thanks Ron
That was a different take on the prompt. Nice one Brian.
this is brilliant. and i wish i wrote this haha
haha, well I appreciate that! But I’ve read your stuff and you’re doing just fine haha, more than just fine
well thanks 🙂
Dear Brian,
Your last line was the perfect ending. The only remorse the hit man had…He liked music. Nice.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Eeep! And there I was, wondering how you’d manage to make this one sinister. Silly me…
Strange thing is I hardly ever try – if anything I try not to! haha
Great first line!
Dear Brian,
Welcome back.
Loved your story and the MC who loves music but not people, money, but not those who owe.
Aloha,
Doug
Thanks Doug, it’s good to see the familiar names and faces again
Wow, what an original take. I really like the musical remorse of the hit man.
Very cool!
this is wonderful. great little story in a few words. loved the last line.
Yes! Another crime piece! Not that the others were not good, but Yay!
well done. debts are debts. so “it” goes from classical to jazz, great ending.