September 5, 2022, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story using the word “swimmingly.” which means “smoothly or satisfactorily.” What is the situation? Who is involved? Let the word take you into a story. Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.
Kate’s Date – by Hugh W. Roberts
Kate couldn’t believe how swimmingly her date with Vera had gone.
They may have both been in their eighties, but sixty years ago, when they first started dating people of the same sex, life was more difficult. You could hold hands without drawing much attention, but a passionate kiss on the lips was a no-go area. Murdering someone was easier.
Looking at Vera’s lifeless body, Kate carefully removed the poisonous lipstick from her lips and took a swig of the antidote to be on the safe side.
Murdering someone was still as swimmingly as it was sixty years ago.
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Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
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Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’
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Glimpses
28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
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Hugh's Views & News 
Wow, Vera must have really made an impression to still be on the hit list sixty years later.
I guess some of us have it, D. Or some of us are just prime targets for the kiss of death.
“(Don’t) Kiss Me Kate” would make a great goth Broadway show…and William Shakespeare would heartily approve.
Lol, thank you, Liz. Broadway and Shakespear in the same sentence is excellent.
What a gotcha, Hugh! You do know how to do the “twist” don’t you?
Thank you. As a big fan of shows like ‘Twilight Zone’ and ‘Tales Of The Unexpected,’ I love writing twists at the end of stories.
Swimmingly Good!
Thank you.
Clever fellow as usual.
Thank you.
Omg, hilariously ruthless 🙂
Thank you.
Good one, Hugh. Maybe life will be a little more swimmingly from now on.
I think Kate has been lucky in that life, and murder has gone swimmingly for her for the last sixty years, Norah.
Good to hear, Hugh.
Egads, Hugh, I hope kate is not going on a kissing spree! Well done!
I think she’s probably been on a kissing spree for the last sixty years, Terri.
Some things change but not poisonous lipstick!
Be wary of anyone wearing lipstick.
Nice twist, Hugh! The kiss of death with lipstick!
Yes, be careful when anyone wearing lipstick approaches you, Colleen.
LOL! I haven’t worn lipstick in years! A bit of lip-gloss maybe? 🤣
I guess that if it can be applied to the lips, it can be used as a murder weapon, Colleen.
It’s a great twist for sure. You come up with great ideas, Hugh!
Agreed, unexpected twist
Thanks, Brenda.
Haha. I am snickering…
About the deadly lipstick?
Nope. About your last sentence. “Murdering someone was still as swimmingly as it was sixty years ago.” I think it’s perfect for the story.
Glad you like it. Thanks, Liesbet.
Well I sure wasn’t expecting that Hugh. Great use of the word 😁😁
Thank you. I’m always happy when readers don’t see the twist coming.