Daily Flash Fiction Challenge

Henry Jameson had been a successful English author during his short life, having published such famous books as Living at Midnight and The Famous Game. But before his untimely death, he had been working on a new novel, one that he had been very excited about. One that he thought would blow everyone away.

The novel, which he had decided to title The Perfect Murder, was going brilliantly in Henry’s eyes; he had written an exquisite first draft, filled with unsuspected plot twists, carefully developed characters, and an elegant plot.

One day, Henry heard a noise from behind him while alone in his study. Whirling around, he saw a black-clad figure holding a knife in their outstretched hand. Obviously drunk, this person staggered towards Henry with their eyes closed, as if this stranger was scared of what he was about to do, but with the alcohol clouding his vision and thoughts, he was going to do it anyway. As the person approached, Henry searched the room for something he could use to defend himself, knowing deep down that there was nothing he could do. His life was out of his hands.

“ Hello? Anyone here?” The fear in the girl’s voice prompted him to respond, but when he opened his mouth, nothing came out. A creaking on the stairs made the ghost of Henry Jameson realize that the girl was making her way up the dusty, ancient stairs, and slowly too, with a hint of nervousness in her halted step. The door opened, and a small girl entered. Her eyes traveled through the room, eventually resting upon an old and bloody manuscript on Henry’s desk. She drew closer until she could read the front page, which spelled out in large black letters The Perfect Murder by Henry Jameson.