This photo is from Shutterstock.com

“I’ve heard there was a secret chord. Its harmonic resonance opens the gate of the fortress. If we can crack the code, maybe we can get inside before it’s too late.”

“You’re an idiot! Might as well play a swan song. Kiss your ass goodbye. It’s hopeless!

“Well, I have to try. The fort was built in 1856. Chromatic mediants were a common chord progression. I could start in the key of C Major and proceed into its diatonic mediant and submediant, E Minor and A Minor.

“Yeah, yeah, blah, blah, blah. Whatever makes you happy!”

Tom used an electronic keyboard to play the haunting chord sequence. Nothing happened. He tried another sequence and another and another. Leonard leaned against the stone wall.

“I told you, Tom. Here, have a smoke.”

“I don’t smoke. And I’m not giving up. How much time is left?”

“Not enough!” Leonard smirked, “3 minutes 47 seconds…46…45…44…”

“Shut up! I have a few more sequences I can try.” Tom played furiously, fingers trembling.

Suddenly, the latch burst open, its force shifting the massive door ajar. Leonard tumbled to his ass dropping his cigarette.

“Hah! I did it! Get up Leonard! You have a bomb to disarm!”

Leonard rushed the chamber where the bomb ticked, red LED numbers flashing, 50…49…48. He located the red wire, giving it a swift clip.

It was over by the time Tom arrived. He dropped to the floor next to Leonard. “Maybe I will have a cigarette. What is it you were saying about swan songs?”

Leonard growled at Tom while offering him a light.

“I know a few swan songs Leonard. I can play one for you if you like. But you don’t really care for music, do you?”

~kat – 30 January 2016
(295 Words)

Click HERE to Read Part Two

A Flash Fiction Story for RonovanWrites Friday Flash Fiction Challenge. This week’s prompt:
-Use the first line of one of your favorite song and begin your story with that line. (REQUIRED)
-Word count of no more than 300. (STRONGLY SUGGESTED but I don’t want you to let it get in the way of creativity.)

My inspiration comes from the song “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen. I used the first line as required and borrowed my favorite line from the song for the end of my story, adding a bit of irony.  🙂

If you would like to read other stories or enter your own, click HERE.