Adipose Unleashed (flash fiction)
Journalist Nicola VanKing had to get this story. The development years ago of a procedure that removed excess adipose tissue and released traumatic memories and emotions had revived journalism and saved her career. She had gone from being a journalist at a dying tabloid to a pioneer in adipose trauma journalism, telling the scandalous stories released from people’s discarded fat.
The president’s daughter, Triffa, was having the procedure today.
“That tissue holds information that could bring down the government,” she said to her editor.
“Why are you still in my office?” he responded.
She called her sources. The first misdirected her to a military hospital, probably deliberately. Another tried to convince her the procedure had been rescheduled for next week.
It took greased palms, a hunch, and a borrowed nurse’s uniform to get her in position. Triffa was waking up. Memories flooded her brain. Long buried emotions filled her heart.
Nicola put down the Jello and whipped out her notebook. She spoke low. She didn’t want the Secret Service to hear.
“Triffa, tell me about the foreign powers that got your father elected.”
Nicola felt strong arms try to pull her away.
“Triffa, let the truth out!” she yelled. The agents dragged her back. “You don’t have to protect him anymore. Let it go!”
“Kate!” yelled Triffa, still groggy from the anesthesia.
This gave the agents pause. They stopped pulling and one of them, a woman with a bouncy ponytail, stepped forward and placed her hand on Triffa’s shoulder.
“I love you!” yelled Triffa.
“What about your father?” said Nicola.
“His secret doesn’t weigh me down. My secret love does.”
Nicola turned to head out without the story she wanted, but not before the other agent whispered in her ear.
“Her father gets the procedure next week.”
Elizabeth Andre writes lesbian romance, science fiction, and paranormal adventure. She is a lesbian in an interracial same-sex marriage living in the Midwest. She hopes you enjoy her stories. She certainly loves writing them. If you would like to support her work, become a member of her Patreon or subscribe to her email newsletter.
