A Flank Gambit

I stepped onto the dark walnut squares of the chessboard resting on the study table. The white queen had cornered the opposing king... an unimaginative finale, utterly devoid of suspense. The script required a twist. Planting my boots firmly on the checkered grain, I pressed my shoulder against a carved wooden knight and shoved with deliberate force. It glided across the polished wood with a low, friction-heavy rasp, locking into the center rank to shatter the stalemate. Handset tucked close and blade lowered, I retreated into the silhouette of a towering rook, admiring the dramatic complication waiting for morning.