The Shadow

Eduardo and Catrine are taking an evening stoll. 300 words

The Shadow

“Someone is following us,” Catrine whispered in her escort’s ear.

“How do you know?” Eduardo whispered back.

“I can hear footsteps, that stop when we stop and go when we do,” she explained softly.

“Wait here my dear, I want to look into this!”

Catrine waited for what seemed like an hour, becoming more and more nervous. Finally, she felt someone take her arm. She breathed a sigh of relief.

“Come along, pretty lady,” said a strange voice. She turned in shock to see only a shadow walking beside her.

With an abrupt movement, she grabbed the arm through hers. She made a defensive movement and heard the arm crack. She flipped the man over one shoulder and planted a high-heeled boot on his neck.

“What have you done with Eduardo?” she said through gritted teeth.

The prone man made a gurgling sound, so she eased her foot off his neck. She repeated her question.

“Who? I don’t know what you’re talking about!” he gasped.

“You can let him up, Catrine,” said a voice from in front of her. She looked up with a pleased smile.

“He is of no importance. A mere common footpad. He tried to rob me, but I slipped his clutches. You are all right, of course. When did you learn to do that?”

“My brothers taught me when I became of age at my father’s behest. It wasn’t long before I became better at it then they were.”

“I am a lucky man. Remind me never to get on your bad side,” Eduardo said half-mockingly. He bent down, handcuffed the miscreant and heaved him up.

“I’ll attract a constable for you,” Catrine said complacently. She did a perfect imitation of a police whistle.

“Your talents astound me,” Eduardo said quietly near her ear.