Eridanus ~ A Collection Of Short Stories

Off the Record

(Reviewed by WritersBlock1316)

He was a famous author, known for his chilling murder mystery tales. He kept his readers on the edge of their seats, which was something not many authors could accomplish.

Ajay Kumar adjusted his notebook on the table as he fumbled with his pen. This interview with one of the most famous mystery writers ever, simply had to be perfect. With all the years of experience he had as a journalist, Ajay was ready to interview the famous author.

He smiled in excitement at the author who sat across him, nodding his head in greeting. Ajay kept his head bent down, his pen poised on the notebook, ready to take down all that the author told him.

"Well, sir, you never cease to amaze people with your sheer brilliance. What's the secret to writing those flawless books of yours?," the journalist began.

Th author smiled, taking a moment. "I firmly believe in the belief that first-hand experience enhances your writing," he said slowly. "Close experience is what helps me pen down my stories."

Ajay took down notes and briefly looked up at the man opposite him. "Close experience?," he questioned.

The author smiled again and nodded. "After all, what good is writing murder mysteries when you haven't seen them yourself?"

Ajay was silent, his hand still on the page. "You mean you've seen a murder up close, sir?"

The writer sighed and looked at him. "He was a journalist. A rival. I was once a journalist myself... A rival who threatens your job never bodes well for you," the man paused. He gazed at Ajay.

"The journalist was very popular and the news agency was slowly beginning to favour him...over me. I knew that if I lost this job, the one I had worked so hard to get, I wouldn't survive. Fear began to unfold in me when I saw him in the editor's office more often...

"I thought to myself...where would I be if this man, my rival in the business, were to suddenly disappear? What if he were to be found dead somewhere one afternoon, with traces of poisoning?
What would happen?"

Ajay was quiet, intrigued by the writer's words.

"I would be in a better position. My one competitor would be eliminated. There would be no threats. So that's exactly what happened. I witnessed, up close, the murder of the journalist. And that's how my murder mystery stories sound so realistic. First-hand experience," the man gave a hollow laugh.

The pen and notebook forgotten, Ajay looked intently at the figure opposite him. He had a great deal of valuable information with him now, enough to write his own horror story about this famous author. What a pity this interview would be off the record.

"Too bad this won't be published anywhere," Ajay smirked as he eyed the figure across him. The figure smirked too.

After all, it wasn't that hard to talk to yourself in front of a mirror.