Jewellery Heist

Xylophone hammers down her spine. The hair on nape stands up. She fears to turn around.

He holds a gun.

Deidre’s thoughts are shrunken, single words. ‘Thief’ comes in mind. ‘Heist’ follows.

Fingers frozen, uncontrollably shivering starts first within hands. Fumbling with keys, untuneful jangling, they shake, awkward fit finding locks.

Jewels sparkle, shimmering falling showers into black velvet bag. Necklaces, rings, watches, earrings – ‘jewellery’ flicks across consciousness. Sweet chimes as diamonds collide, emeralds and sapphires glimmering amongst topaz, amethyst, unlucky opals.

Cacophony rents air. Sales assistant has skillfully pressed alarm button unseen.

Armed robber splits.

Police arrive too late.