The Killers

This short story from Hemingway is mostly dialogue, and consists of only a few characters. Set in Summit, Illinois during the 1920s, during Prohibition, two hitmen enter a lunchroom, run by George. The only other people in the lunchroom are Sam, the cook and Nick, a customer.
The story rolls out very quickly, with lots of tough-guy dialogue. Short statements, limited explanation, all in keeping with Hemingway and his style.

A good way to spend 10 minutes, if you don't have a lot of deep thought to spare!
Available free on Project Gutenberg

Clearly a very early story from Hemingway (1927), and no doubt it a practice run for characters.

3 stars