Friday Snippet – Gabrielle

Friday Snippets this week is from my novella, Gabrielle. Be warned this is a first draft and still rough. Enjoy!

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Gabrielle felt a new wave of anger sweep through her as she squeezed through more people to reach him. It’s no use, he’s spent our money already. Oz did not see her approach, his eyes were glued onto the fight. Gabrielle grabbed him by the elbow. He swung round and caught a glimpse of her angry expression and dismissed it instantly.

‘Not now Gabs the fight’s nearly over!’ he yelled over the din. The sour stench of beer wafted on his breach and made her nose scrunch. Poor and drunk was a bad combination.

‘Have we got anything left?’ she shouted. Oz’s gaze was fixed on the fight, his body tight like a whippet in the stocks.

‘If I win I double my money!’ he replied without even looking at her.

‘How much did you bet?’ she asked, clenching her fists. He ignored her as a yelp of pain careered through the building to a chorus of cheers. Gabrielle peered over the balcony and caught a glimpse of the fighting pit. Packed earth scattered with sawdust, red blood slashed the floor. One of the dogs was limping, cowering in a corner while the other snarled. Oz was ready to leap in the air.

‘How much?’ She demanded again. He briefly glanced at her with his blank, alcohol filled gaze and she knew what he meant: ‘All of it.’