“If just one of these threads breaks, it disrupts the whole system,” The big man said.
Tommy knew he wasn’t talking about the loom, other people worked on the loom. Tommy was to have a different job.
The big man shoved the gun in his hand. “Here, it’s named after you,” the big man laughed, more rasp than voice, with an edge that sent a chill up Tommy’s spine.
“The factory is just for show, the real money comes from us, our work, and if one thread in our work breaks, we all go down, understand?”
Tommy nodded, sweating, thinking he’d rather just work the loom.
Friday Fictioneers: 100 word stories inspired by a photo that Rochelle Wisoff Fields posts every week. This week’s photo courtesy of Sandra Cook
Mostly Words 
Nicely chilling atmosphere
Thank you, Neil!!
-Rachel
I’m sure working the loom is a much safer occupation….
Let’s hope so! 😉
-Rachel
You’ve created a good atmosphere of hidden menace. I like the phrase ‘more rasp than voice’.
Thank you, Penny!
-Rachel
A machine gun, nice touch. I see how your mind worked.
Thanks, Ted!
-Rachel
Nice mob tale. It felt like the 30’s.
I’m glad the 30’s came through, I was going for a vintage vibe 🙂
Thank you!
-Rachel
i guess he isn’t cut out to be an enforcer. but does he have choice? that’s the question.
That is the question! I don’t know if you can back out of doing things for those kinds of guys!
Thanks!
-Rachel
Dear Rachel,
Sounds like one false move and Tommy sleeps with the fishes. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Ha, Thanks, Rochelle!
-Rachel 🙂
I fear Tommy may not last too long in his new employment. Good take Rachel 🙂
I fear the same!
Thanks, Iain!
-Rachel 🙂
Well done, Rachel. A chilling take on the underworld…
Thank you, Dale!
-Rachel
A very sinister-sounding place to work. I opt for the loom as well. Or maybe a nice job far away from there…
Yeah, maybe a job in a different city, or even a different country!!
Thank you,
-Rachel 🙂
So, the looms are just a front for something far shadier. Interestingly, we both took a similar route!
My FriFic tale!
We do seem to have had similar ideas about this loom! Although your story has such a delicious build up!
I think Tommy has done his last thinking for self.. Very nice write!
Thank you, Violet!
-Rachel
Definitely a sense of menace. Tommy needs to spin a yarn to get out of there.
Ha! Yes he does!
Thank you 🙂
-Rachel
Realistic and terrifying.
Thank you!
-Rachel
At least big man with a gun was honest. He accepted the loom was a show and actual business is something else.
Very true.
Thank you!
-Rachel
Good article and nice blog ……… Congratulations.
I invite you to see my artistic creations.
welcome 🙂
Such a well-told tale!
Thank you !
-Rachel
Sounds like he’s invited into the “family” business.
Aaahhhh..the gangster life. I suppose you gotta start somewhere.
Oh dear. I fear Tommy hasn’t really found his niche in this organisation.Nice descriptive phrases, and ‘the big man’ is a scary one – great dialogue.
Poor Tommy, how did he get into this… Great atmosphere and the 30ies mob vibe is strong.