The Puppet Masters (2nd Place)

The tick of the clock pushed out its steady beat. Jeff chucked another pretzel in his mouth. Mmmm.. These are really salty. He glanced up at the incessant timepiece – 4:45 pm. The gray door opened and a tall, white-haired man stepped out. He carried a red umbrella.

“Jeff Dingledine?”

“Yes.”

“My name is Frank. Come with me.” Frank used the umbrella like a cane.

“Glad to…” Jeff stuck out his hand. Frank turned and walked down a long hall.

Jeff followed Frank into a room with a table adorning a decorative vase. Frank scooted out a chair and sat down. Jeff attempted to copy him… “Please stay standing.”

“What’s this about? I get a cryptic message to meet here at exactly 4:45 pm.”

“I’m part of a special organization. Let’s just say we make things happen in our political system. You are a lawyer, top of your class, and the only child of a plumber. We’d like to hire you.”

“But why me?”

“We paid your education. Arranged the meeting of your lovely girlfriend, Maelin. The generous offer from Linden, Schwartz, & Coffman was also us.”

“What?”

“We’d like to eventually make you a Senator. We just like to know if you’re with us, Jeff.”

“No. It can’t be. I earned what…”

“You’ve earned nothing!” Frank stood up and glared at him. “And you need to decide. Now!”

“You’ve controlled my life? Chosen my school? My girlfriend? Now you want me to be your patsy in Congress? I…”

“Be careful Mr. Dingledine. We make people, but we also…” Frank swung the umbrella and smashed the vase. “Stop making them.”

Jeff’s eyes darted from the veins on Frank’s forehead to the shards glistening on the floor. “I’m with you.”

“Wise choice. Have a good life.”


300 words
Flash Story Must contain: Umbrella, Vase, Copy