O'Malley's Diner (Sharpe's Crew Reprise) (959 hits)
Category: NoneLabels: noir
Rating: 1.76 on 34 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by Stagger Lee (View user info) at 2006-03-03 00:20:18 EST
Part One: Santori: http://www.ubersite.com/m/84633
Part Two: Sharpe's Crew: http://www.ubersite.com/m/84695
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On the floor with my gun held uselessly in my hand, I ponder my options.
They are, as follows: fucking nothing. I'm stranded. The only light in the diner is the blinding searchlight currently searing through the window. I have one .45 Colt pistol, with one clip and no reloads. I've got fuck all reason to even be here, as Sharpe so ably pointed out.
So what now? Do I fold my hands over my head and wait for the inevitable? Would any man as stupid as me concede at this point?
I begin inching my way along the spotless tiles. Amelia sounds like she's freaking out and Mr Murray is trying to calm her, but calming isn't really his thing. He's more of a shouter. There's no contact from whoever's manning the searchlight, which only tells me that it's not police.
I crawl towards the door. The door has a hanging blind on it, so it's the only area I can attempt to see out of the diner without being ventilated. There are parts of me that were never meant to see daylight, and I wish to keep it that way.
I lift the bottom corner of the blind. I'm not staring directly into the searchlight, so I can make out two shapes next to the truck. Probably Lenson and Keeton. I briefly consider shooting at them, decide to wait. The searchlight is fucking with my vision too much to trust my aim. I'd bet the life that I'm almost out of that Sharpe and Bridge are on the kitchen exit and toilet window, respectively. So I know how the fuckers operate, and they've still got me pinned.
Still, knowing the trap is halfway towards beating it.
They're not just gonna hang back until I stick my head up. Sooner or later they're going to come in. I seem to have two options: break the net now, or face them in here. Seeing as they would have come in straight away if that's what they wanted, then they must want me to try to break. So I won't. Soon they'll come in, and I've gotta be ready.
I wriggle into the kitchen and stand once I'm out of searchlight range. Or shotgun range. Mr Murray confronts me.
"This is none of our concern, you cheap hood," he snarls. "What have you dragged us into?"
Mr Murray never really approved of the diner's status as our hangout. Fuckhawks is what he called us. I was never sure why. For some reason, his disapproval never failed to make me ashamed, and now is no exception.
With my eyes on the floor, I explain that there's been a falling out and that Sharpe's crew is gunning for me.
"Well, fuck you," he says, "I don't owe you anything."
"This is true," I reply, "They won't touch you. Just stay of the way."
"Don't you dare give me orders, you prick."
I look past him, at Amelia cowering in the corner. Both of her hands are clasped over her mouth in fear. Her eyes are wide, empty. For some reason I find myself thinking of vast, open fields under a white, overcast sky.
I snap out of it and shove my gun into Mr Murray's gut.
"Time is of the essence, Mr Murray," I say, almost recovering the fire I had in my belly when I nailed Santori's hand to his own desk. "They won't kill you. Stay out of my way or I will."
His eyes go as wide as Amelia's. He never expected me to threaten him. I now have the cheapest form of respect from him: the sort of respect a jumped-up schoolyard bully receives. It's respect that's grudging and hateful, and it tarnishes those who receive it. I felt dirty all over my worthless skin.
He stood aside.
The layout of the diner is as follows: A wide-open, two-room affair. The door is in one corner of the room. Tables are scattered across the floor and around the edge of the area. The kitchen area is near the front door, to the left. In the opposite corner to the front door is the bathroom.
I open the oven and start the gas flowing. "You two leave," I say. I gesture with my pistol. I start the gas on the various stoves. Amelia leaps to her feet at the chance. Mr Murray gives me just about the most venomous glare I've ever seen and heads for the door. "Keep your hands up and they won't shoot you," I tell them. "Now run!"
They make a break for the door. As they move, so do I. I bolt just behind them, using them as a screen, then hit the floor and slide to the back wall, next to the bathroom door.
I hear shouts from outside, but no gunfire. Very well. Soon they'll come in, they must realise I'm not coming out alive.
I wait.
I don't wait long. The spotlight cuts out. Then several things happen extremely fast.
The front door slams open and Keeton rushes in. I shoot him in the throat. He spins and flails, impeding the path of Lenson who follows closely behind. Keeton's blood is scattered across Lenson's face and chest.
I light my Zippo and lob it over the counter and into the kitchen. The gas in the kitchen catches and flares just as Sharpe enters from the rear door. Sharpe is slammed against the counter and drops to the floor. Lenson, already off balance due to Keeton, loses his feet completely and his face slams into the floor.
Bridge bursts through the bathroom door beside me. I sweep his legs from under him. He goes down hard. I grab by the back of his neck and slam his face into the tiles. His nose breaks and he gives a muffled cry. I place the muzzle of my gun on the back of his head and pull the trigger once. His feet kick and then he ceases all motion.
Lenson struggles up, aims at me half-heartedly. I put two in his chest. He staggers backwards and trips over a chair. He ends up on the floor for the last time.
I walk over to Keeton. He's not quite dead, so I put him out of his misery with a bullet to the eye.
I realise that my hands are shaking. I have no idea how long it took for me to dispatch Sharpe's crew.
But it's not over yet. There's still Sharpe in the kitchen.
I enter the kitchen. It's a disaster area. Pots and food are scattered everywhere. Sharpe is half sitting, half leaning on the counter. He's burned pretty fucking badly, but he's still breathing. Too tough and to dependable to die yet.
And then it hits me. Their whole plan was poor. It was flawed and executed badly. They gave me too much time to prepare, too much time to think. Sharpe would never allow such a sloppy piece of action take place under his command, unless...
"You fucked it up on purpose, didn't you?" I ask him.
He tries to speak, but only wheezes. I realise I can smell him, and I can't help it, I retch and I curse and I have to steady myself on the wall. I can't even begin to describe the smell in the kitchen.
I crouch down in front of Sharpe. His eyes are still lucid and very alert, but they're serving a body that's definitely past it. I observe that his skin his partially melted to the gun in his right hand. A gun he'll never lift again.
I stare at him with wonder in my eyes and voice. "After all that shit about duty, you forswore yours, didn't you?" He manages a sickly sort of grin. "You fucked it up. I shouldn't have had a chance against you guys."
He tries to speak again, gives up.
I raise my gun. I stare for what seems an age at my right hand. It's covered in blood at least halfway up to my elbow, probably from when I blasted Bridge's head. Sirens begin to wail a few blocks away. Amelia and Mr Murray, doing their civic duty to bring the authorities.
I almost can't do it, but then I do. I empty what's left of my clip into Sharpe's chest. He shudders and breathes no more.
I throw my gun on the ground and stare at the charred, broken corpse of the man who was nearly my father, whom I've just killed to avenge the biological brother that I hated.
Then I stand, take Keeton's gun and spare rounds, turn back through the kitchen and I exit into the fetid back alley, to make my escape.
User Reviews
Submitted by St_Jimmy (user info) at 2007-05-03 16:43:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Beano312003 (user info) at 2006-06-25 08:09:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
The writing is great, the action and suspense keeps you wanting more.
It's just the reality of the story that I struggle with. Would they have left him in there (from the last story) and would Sharpe have deliberately messed up the ambush?
I guess so because that is how you have written it.
Submitted by darko (user info) at 2006-06-21 02:16:09 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I don't like you, but Orgasmatron does.
Submitted by Axolotl (user info) at 2006-05-11 08:26:18 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
"I now have the cheapest form of respect from him: the sort of respect a jumped-up schoolyard bully receives. It's respect that's grudging and hateful, and it tarnishes those who receive it. I felt dirty all over my worthless skin."
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That IS a good line.
Submitted by Stagger_Lee (user info) at 2006-04-03 03:20:27 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Thanks a lot, Bubba and Saccy, and cheers Doodles.
Submitted by Sacrilicious (user info) at 2006-04-02 03:16:05 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
AWESOME.
I'm usually a little ambivalent about action pieces, just a personal preference. But so many of your lines are kick ass.
"I now have the cheapest form of respect from him: the sort of respect a jumped-up schoolyard bully receives. It's respect that's grudging and hateful, and it tarnishes those who receive it. I felt dirty all over my worthless skin."
I'll keep coming back.
Submitted by Doodles (user info) at 2006-03-09 20:14:51 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Gah I fucking hate you, go die now... But before you do write me about 50 post that I can claim as my own okay?
Submitted by Bubba2341 (user info) at 2006-03-09 20:06:40 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Awesome fucking writing! Fuck all alters and assholes...
Submitted by HighVoltage900 (user info) at 2006-03-07 20:44:31 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Hey kiddies! I'm here to undo any retal damage!
YAY!
Submitted by Stagger_Lee (user info) at 2006-03-07 20:42:40 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I seem to attract retaliatory -2s. Then they get banned and it gets revoked.
Submitted by trent_nz (user info) at 2006-03-07 20:38:06 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
shit-head =p
Submitted by charminglybeef (user info) at 2006-03-06 03:52:53 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Yes, yes. This is engaging. And it has longevity. Each post has something interesting and climactic of its own, but you never lose sight of the ultimate goal. Consistent charcters and consistently entertaining.
Submitted by scourge (user info) at 2006-03-05 03:53:58 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Stagger_Lee (user info) at 2006-03-05 01:34:43 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by RogerForrester (user info) at 2006-03-05 00:49:02 (#)
Ranking: -2
this is so bad. im gonna jizz all over your mom's forehead. lol you think you're so witty you're fetid puss. hahah you're such a fag.
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Mmmm.....retaliatory....tastes so good.....
Submitted by RogerForrester (user info) at 2006-03-05 00:49:02 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
this is so bad. im gonna jizz all over your mom's forehead. lol you think you're so witty you're fetid puss. hahah you're such a fag.
Submitted by Brdn_Nkd (user info) at 2006-03-03 14:30:30 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by G-prime (user info) at 2006-03-03 13:11:27 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment Necessary
Submitted by Stagger_Lee (user info) at 2006-03-03 10:35:25 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
"The thunder from my steely fist made all the glasses jangle
When I shot him I was so handsome, it was the light, it was the angle..."
Submitted by xanderd (user info) at 2006-03-03 10:31:29 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
great stuff!
Submitted by Orgasmatron (user info) at 2006-03-03 10:29:41 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
"And I turned my gun on the bird-like Mr. Brookes
I thought of Saint Francis and his sparrows
And as I shot down the youthful Richardson
It was St. Sebastian I thought of, and his arrows"
Submitted by Stagger_Lee (user info) at 2006-03-03 10:14:00 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by ghola (user info) at 2006-03-03 10:04:33 (#)
Ranking: 2
i wish i had an interesting story to tell.
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You already did.......http://www.ubersite.com/m/84791
Submitted by ghola (user info) at 2006-03-03 10:04:33 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
i wish i had an interesting story to tell.
Submitted by Stagger_Lee (user info) at 2006-03-03 07:22:15 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by redskieslookfake (user info) at 2006-03-03 04:01:42 (#)
Ranking: 2
Post brilliant.
Reviews brilliant.
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Thanks, Geordie.
Submitted by redskieslookfake (user info) at 2006-03-03 04:51:15 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I shall have to see if I can answer requests for help with 'KINNNG GEOOORRGGE COMMANDS, AND WE OBEEEEY!!!' in a faux Irish accent, before demanding a urine sample before I proceed.
Submitted by Berty (user info) at 2006-03-03 04:42:08 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
The dream was actually very debilitating. For days people would say "Alex, where's the adjusted review figures for today" and I'd say "Over the hills and far away."
Nearly got myself fired.
Submitted by redskieslookfake (user info) at 2006-03-03 04:35:13 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Berty (user info) at 2006-03-03 04:30:47 (#)
Ranking: 2
I thought it sounded a bit off. Ah well.
You know, I had a dream with this song in it a few months ago. Strangest thing.
---
Did it involve Sean Bean and Sergeant Harper (who was also in Withnail & I) threatening to 'rip you a new Iberian peninsula?'
It's a good tune actually. I may play it on the gallery speakers. Better than the muzak they're playing of theme tunes of shows from the seventies. Bewitched has driven me mad.
Submitted by Berty (user info) at 2006-03-03 04:30:47 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I thought it sounded a bit off. Ah well.
You know, I had a dream with this song in it a few months ago. Strangest thing.
Submitted by redskieslookfake (user info) at 2006-03-03 04:16:30 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Queen Anne was dead anyway. What did she ever do? She certainly never pissed blue!
Submitted by redskieslookfake (user info) at 2006-03-03 04:12:41 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
It's King George Berty! You shame Sean Bean. And that is one grumpy Sheffield blokey.
Submitted by Berty (user info) at 2006-03-03 04:08:57 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
*commecnes pissed up singing*
Hark! Now the drums beat up again,
For all true soldier gentlemen,
Then let us 'list and march I say,
Over the hills and far away.
Over the hills and o'er the main.
To Flanders, Portugal, and Spain,
Queen Anne commands and we'll obey.
Over the hills and far away.
All gentlemen that have a mind,
To serve the Queen that's good and kind,
Come 'list and enter into pay,
Then over the hills and far away.
Over the hills and o'er the main.
To Flanders, Portugal, and Spain,
Queen Anne commands and we'll obey.
Over the hills and far away.
Here's forty shillings on the drum,
For those that volunteers do come,
With shirts, and clothes, and present pay,
Then o'er the hills and far away.
Over the hills and o'er the main.
To Flanders, Portugal, and Spain,
Queen Anne commands and we'll obey.
Over the hills and far away.
No more from sound of drums retreat,
While Marlborough and Galway beat,
The French and Spaniards every day,
When o'er the hills and far away.
Over the hills and o'er the main.
To Flanders, Portugal, and Spain,
Queen Anne commands and we'll obey.
Over the hills and far away.
The 'prentice Tom he may refuse,
To wipe his angry master's shoes,
For then he's free to sing and play,
Over the hills and far away.
Over the hills and o'er the main.
To Flanders, Portugal, and Spain,
Queen Anne commands and we'll obey.
Over the hills and far away.
Come on then boys, and you shall see,
We every one shall captains be!
To whore and rant as well as they,
When over the hills and far away.
Over the hills and o'er the main.
To Flanders, Portugal, and Spain,
Queen Anne commands and we'll obey.
Over the hills and far away.
We then shall lead more happy lives,
By getting rid of brats and wives,
That scold on both the night and day,
When over the hills and far away.
Over the hills and o'er the main.
To Flanders, Portugal, and Spain,
Queen Anne commands and we'll obey.
Over the hills and far away.
Submitted by redskieslookfake (user info) at 2006-03-03 04:01:42 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Post brilliant.
Reviews brilliant.
Submitted by Stagger_Lee (user info) at 2006-03-03 03:27:21 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Orgasmatron (user info) at 2006-03-03 03:07:12 (#)
Ranking: 2
"I stuck the barrel under her chin, and her face looked raw and vicious/
Her head it landed in the sink with all the dirty dishes.."
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Jerry Bellows, he hugged his stool, closed his eyes and shrugged and laughed,
And with an ashtray big as a fucking really big brick I split his skull in half...
Submitted by Wildman (user info) at 2006-03-03 03:19:40 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Nicely done.
Submitted by Orgasmatron (user info) at 2006-03-03 03:07:12 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
"I stuck the barrel under her chin, and her face looked raw and vicious/
Her head it landed in the sink with all the dirty dishes.."