I’m introducing my own story here.
I’ve not much to say other than this was a blast to write. It was based on some actual events that were told to me by an old work mate. Ironically it wasn’t long after Leila told me that this had been chosen for this week that my workmate passed away.
I am honoured to be part of this and I was honoured to have known the legend that is Murdoch Scott!
RIP Murdy – It was an absolute pleasure working with you and sharing a few pints!!!!
The Viaduct by Hugh Cron – Warning – Strong Language
Image: Jail cell with Christmas trimming chains on the bars by Angie at Studio Anjou
literally stories 
Hugh
Ah, the second chance! A fitting theme for a rerun. Don’t think Jordan will get many better offers.
Such a fun read. So much more creative than American gunplay. And here’s to remebering Murdoch!
Leila
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Hi Leila.
Murdy was one of those folks who was instantly remembered, just one of those folks who was a pleasure to have known.
Thanks so much for picking this one!!
Hugh
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Hugh
You’re welcome! This should be a How To for “pub thinning.”
Leila
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Dark and dreadful with colourful characters and yet it’s believable in its horribleness. Good to see this one having another moment. dd
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Cheers Diane,
Any darkness is fun to write.
Maybe an idea for your next book – A serial killer who slaughters Romance Writers – You’d have a blast with that!! (Make sure their deaths nip a bit!!)
All the very best to you and Ian!
Hugh
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Oh – now then!!
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A lovely savoury slice that has the taste of truth about it! Just the right amount of rich detail and ends on a perfect note. Excellent!
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Hi Steven,
Thanks so much for the kind words.
‘Just the right amount…’ Is a high compliment indeed. We read so many stories where we can see that the balance is off. But here’s the thing, if you need to think on that, you’ve probably got it wrong!!
As always with me, not thinking is the way to go!!!
All my very best to you and yours.
Hugh
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A well-written walk on the wild side. And still a guilty pleasure!
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Hi David,
Since you have mentioned a guilty pleasure, I have a recommendation for you.
I’ve just re-watched ‘The League Of Gentlemen’. It’s a BBC series about the inhabitants of the fictitious town of Royston Vasey. By fuck is it dark, imaginative and surreal. Whether or not you enjoy it, I reckon you would appreciate the imagination and out the box thinking.
If you get around to it, I’d be interested in your thoughts.
Thanks so much for the kind comments and all the best to you and yours.
Hugh
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Hi, Hugh, The League of Gentleman sounds interesting. We don’t have access to it now, but we subscribe to Acorn and Britbox so I’ll watch out for it. We have seen Inside Number Nine with Steve Pemberton. He does some weird stuff!
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Hugh
You have the ability as a writer to make your characters visible to the reader by using almost no description. You must be able to SEE your own characters vividly and somehow the effect wears off on the reader and even though we don’t know exactly what the characters look like, we know everything we need to know, somehow. Almost like a magic trick. You are a natural short story writer. Excellent dialogue, too. You know how to write it. Happy Christmas Week.
Dale
PS
RIP Murdy.
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Hi Dale,
As always your words humble me!!
I was told a long while ago that I write how I speak. I didn’t understand that at the time but I think I’m getting there with it.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve also been slated on how I write which I think had a lot to do with how I speak!!
Maybe I’m a non-descriptive unconscious non-namer?? Writers sometime will not name their characters so the reader can become them. Maybe I don’t describe so the reader can see them in whatever way they want.
…Please don’t take that as my technique – I have never thought about that until now!!!
Be always you my fine friend.
Hugh
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Powerful writing, Hugh. And very believable. I walked into a pub in the East end of Glasgow once and as soon as I sat down some elderly drunk threatened me with a chair. I drank up quick and, as a walked out, there was a scatter of applause. merry christmas, mick
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Hi Mick,
Makes you wonder what the applause was for???
We got off the ferry from Arran to Ardrossan and looked for a pub, we asked a guy where to go for a pint and he said, ‘You mean somewhere you’ll no get murdered?’ Well that was a comfort!! Don’t get me wrong, we had a cracking day although we were adopted by an old barnacle sea dog who accepted more rum off of us than was acceptable!!
We did get soup and a sandwich, which was a surprise – That used to be a thing but isn’t now.
Ah, the East End of Glasgow if you had sung, ‘The Fields Of Athenry’ you’d have been fine.
Thanks as always, all my best to you and yours.
Hugh
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Great story. Classic noir.
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Hi Ed,
Thanks so much for the kind words.
All my very best to you and yours!!
Hugh
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Hi Hugh
This was really well written. I could see this taking place–super strong images. When Jordan was gagging on blood and had a knife to his eye. That made me swallow. I thought they might kill him.
All of this happened in the dark, which added to the sinister atmosphere. “Man it’s dark down there. Here let me show you where you are.” Bad dudes.
You never know who you might offend at the pub. I was waiting for the moment when Fergie let Jordan know what’s–what, and who’s–who. Nice ending. Excellent story!
Christopher
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Hi Christopher,
Thanks so much for the kind comments. It was a lot of fun to write.
My first draft I had it ending with the ‘I can smell piss’ line but that seemed incomplete. With them leaving the pub we know who had won.
All my very best to you and yours over the holidays.
Hugh
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