Murder at Dinner

Tied for 1st Place---10/11/07

ID: 896794   (Rated: 13+) Daily Flash Fiction Challenge  Enter your story of 300 words or less. Note new starting time! by arakun the twisted raccoon

         Judge Tanner looked over the list before him. This was his sixth week on arraignment court. He called for the next case. The defendant was Pierre Croissant who now stood before him in blood-stained whites, the charge was murder. “How do you plead?”

         The public defender said, “My client pleads not guilty, your Honor by reason of temporary insanity. We ask bail be set.”

         The young man from the prosecutor’s office spoke up. “Your Honor, this man ran into the dining room of the restaurant where he works and attacked a patron with a cleaver! The attack was unprovoked and vicious. We ask that he be remanded for trial.”

         The PD spoke up then. “The attack was provoked, your Honor, Mr. Croissant is employed and has ties to the community. He is a well known chef. He is not a risk for flight nor a danger to the community.”

         The prosecutor’s man said, Not a danger! He killed a man with ten blows of a cleaver in the sight of thirty people! He must be remanded.”

         The judge turned to the man in chef’s clothing. Pierre began in a French accent which disappeared after the first sentence. “The customer, he insulted me!”

         “How did he insult you?”

         “He ordered the rack of lamb. My specialty. I have the secret recipe. It is perfect. It has been served to the crowned heads. I am famous for it!”

         “Go on.”

         “He ordered my famous rack of lamb and it was perfect! Never better! A masterpiece!” Pierre’s face flushed and contorted with rage. “Anyone would have done what I did!”

         “What was the insult you say provoked you to kill him?”

         “He asked ~~ “ Pierre stopped and caught his breath. “He asked for ~~ for ketchup!”

294 words