The Lowe-Down

“Green beans, kidney beans, black-eyed peas.
Pick ‘em, shell ‘em, sort ‘em on your knees.
Better fill your basket or the master won’t be pleased.”
Ike sang quietly, his calloused hands expertly twisting another pod.
The raw stripes on his back burned with every movement.
Reward for yesterday’s shortfall.
Another glance at the clock.
Someone whimpered. Sol. His basket half full.
Ike dropped his beans into Sol’s basket. Just like last night.
The clock ticked, hands moving inexorably on the oakwood face.
The master would be back soon. Cane ready.
But tonight would be different.
Tonight, Ike had a gun.

Genre: Thriller

Action: clock watching

Word: green beans