A Last Request

By Arlene Webb
   Once upon a time, a one-night stand stood for a single theatre performance, usually by a guest instead of an ongoing show.
   Now it means a sexual encounter in which none of the participants have any intention or expectation of a relationship. Most often the lovers haven’t known each other long and alcohol is involved. From teens to adults wishing to experiment, married with an itch but no desire to end the marriage, career-oriented and no time for a relationship, there are many reasons for a one-time, no-strings liaison. Unfortunately, statistics claim the walk of shame the next day hits women harder than men. I wonder why that is and if numbers will steadily change until men sneak out with the downcast gaze at the same rate women do, as women become less and less concerned with their reasons for regret.
   Regardless, what a set up for short stories. The word count shortened because the partners, drawn together by endless possibilities, are strangers with pretty much the same goal. The author can move right into the hot scenes and then tie the threads to bring on a happy ending.
   It’s amazing the imagination each DP author brings to this series, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it. My contribution released last month and if you haven’t read Last Request yet, I do hope you’ll click on the buy link.


Here’s opening page:

Dear Madame Evangeline,

As you can see by my attached application, I am an ideal candidate for your matching service. Unless you believe in ghosts (ha ha), it’ll be impossible for me to breach contract by attempting to find anyone who wishes to remain a stranger after a one-night stand.

This would surely be a risk-free set up for any potential date. Please consider leaving out details of my identity, as I fear opportunistic journalists/news reporters. With that in mind, I left the preferred height, weight, shape, race, personality, and so forth options blank. Clean with an XY chromosome is more than I deserve, and all this sinner would hope for.

If you’re wondering how one such as me could have the audacity to even contact you, well, what do I have to lose? I beg pardon for my crudeness, but seeing as electrocution is currently an acceptable form of execution in this sovereign state, I’ve fantasized for months about a bang the night prior to the roast.

I have the means to persuade the warden into allowing this rendezvous to happen. Authorities may agree just to avoid agitation between the anticipated media spectacle and me. There’s been much controversy concerning a woman in the electric chair for the first time in a decade, and the warden expects I’ll remain steadfast in my refusal to appeal or prolong the inevitable. With consideration of my right to exit this world sooner rather than later, I anticipate every home within a thousand mile radius will have their power off Saturday afternoon, two weeks from today.

I’ll be moved to the D ward shortly and unable to converse further with anyone but the chaplain and warden. Please consider this my last request.

Sincerely,

Prison number 24609

Joan Bennett

Buy Last Request HERE

I’d love to offer an e-copy of any of my DP releases to a commentator picked at random. Leave a comment and your email address!

Arlene