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The Collector

A simple heist until it isn’t

By C.Z.Published about a year ago 1 min read
Top Story - June 2023
The Collector
Photo by Jason Dent on Unsplash

Simple.

I was expecting simple. The old man alone in his country home filled with a stunning art collection.

One old man, one job.

Sure, he had security but it was easy, cameras, dogs, window sensors. It was our fourth job together but we worked so smoothly, nothing could go wrong.

The Rottweilers were sedated, drooling all over a rug that cost several thousand dollars. The old man was at dinner, as he was every Friday night.

“What did you say this guy collects?” Ravi asked as we stared at the massive safe door.

“Just art. There’s a million articles about him, that’s how I heard about him.”

“There’s gotta be a big room back there,” Monica added. “Ravi can you handle the door?”

Ravi shot her an unimpressed look and got to work. Eventually the latch clicked and gave way.

“Guys,” Ravi’s voice trembled. “He’s not an art collector.”

We cautiously stepped into the gigantic room to behold a wall of skulls, perfectly in tact and grinning at us.

“Ew,” Monica gasped.

We heard a slight chuckle as we turned just in time to see the Old Man closing the door to the safe, adding us to his collection.

AdventureShort StoryMicrofiction

About the Creator

C.Z.

A slightly inspired, barely motivated, lover of fact and fiction

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  1. Excellent storytelling

    Original narrative & well developed characters

  2. Eye opening

    Niche topic & fresh perspectives

  3. Compelling and original writing

    Creative use of language & vocab

  1. Easy to read and follow

    Well-structured & engaging content

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    Writing reflected the title & theme

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Comments (24)

  • The Invisible Writerabout a year ago

    Oh no 😱they walked right into the trap!

  • Gina C.about a year ago

    This is a very intriguing story! Enjoyed the twist very much :) Congrats on Top Story!!

  • Rick Henry Christopher about a year ago

    I guess to some skulls are art work. Good job and well written. I subscribed, hearted, and left insights.

  • Andrei Z.about a year ago

    Haha, 'There’s a million articles about him' - looks like somebody doesn't like to read the articles carefully enough to know what/who they are really about😅 Congratulations on your top story!

  • Shane Dobbieabout a year ago

    Nice work.

  • Testabout a year ago

    That was quite the twist! I like how you set up the scene with very few words. Proof once again that dialogues can really move a story forward. Very well done! Congratulations on the Top Story!

  • sleepy draftsabout a year ago

    Ouuuu, what a twist!! 👏🏻 Wonderfully done! 💗

  • MT Poetryabout a year ago

    Congrats on Top Story!! This piece is both entertaining and unexpected, leaving me eager to see what comes next. Keep up the amazing work!!! 👏😊

  • Mackenzie Davisabout a year ago

    Oh sooo creepy! I love it! 🤩 Congratulations on Top Story, too! Well deserved. This was incredibly entertaining. 😆

  • Tiffany Gordon about a year ago

    WOW! 😱Phenomenal work! Congratulations on your Top Story!

  • Holly Pheniabout a year ago

    Whoa! His version of "art" isn't the usual. Creepy and well-told!

  • David C. Connorabout a year ago

    🔥💯🔥

  • Kelley Steadabout a year ago

    Ah-mazing. A wonderful twist. Love that you fit all this in 200 words. Impressive

  • Paul Stewartabout a year ago

    Instant subscriber after such a great little story. I enjoyed the twist, and although you had built the tension sufficiently, the payoff was unexpected! Congrats on Top Story!

  • Meagan Dionabout a year ago

    That was awesome!!!

  • Dana Crandellabout a year ago

    A great twist! Well done, and Congratulations on Top Story!

  • Lamar Wigginsabout a year ago

    Great job! A reverse heist. The lure was a great trap. And congrats a top story.

  • Kim Loostromabout a year ago

    Love this! The suspense and the twist are fantastic!

  • Manpreet Singh Bhinderabout a year ago

    Good one. Congratulations on your top story.

  • Dana Stewartabout a year ago

    Fantastic twist! Congrats on the Top Story

  • Cathy holmesabout a year ago

    Oh, this is great. Congrats on the TS

  • Denise Larkinabout a year ago

    Loved that ending. The old man really did get them! Brilliant short fiction.

  • Wow 😯 would like to see where this goes 👀‼️

  • Lol, that was so unexpected and creepy! Awesome story!

C.Z.Written by C.Z.

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