Wednesday is story day and today is no different. These stories are designed to celebrate the fact that the week is more of less under control. It gives me a chance to stretch a little and get away for a few minutes from the job at hand with is my third book in the John Cannon trilogy. I am at about 72,000 words and I see the finish at close to 95,000. As I said last Friday, my characters forced me to write a little differently so it will take me a little longer. Hopefully, the detour will be worth it. Today’s story takes us back to Frank and Billy and if you will recall Billy had not shot his shotgun ever. The story is back at the Starbucks and is titled Next.
Next by John W. Howell ©2014
“Here’s your decaf latte Frank. Low foam and almond milk.”
“Yeah thanks.”
“What’s wrong?”
“What’s wrong? You gotta be kidding me.”
“You still upset that I haven’t shot this shotgun before.”
“Put that thing under your coat. You want the cops to pick us up?”
“Aren’t shotguns legal?”
“In a friggin’ Starbucks? Look around you see any pheasants in here? Don’t you think if a cop came in and saw you waving that thing around he might wonder what I’m doing with a 9MM automatic pistol.”
“I never thought about that. Yeah, your pistol is certainly not legal. Especially with that thirty shot magazine.”
“Please Billy. Please shut up and let me think. We need to have a plan to knock off the bank.”
“Can we do it without guns?”
“Like with what.”
“We could pretend we have a bomb or something.”
“I don’t think we would scare anyone into giving us money with a fake bomb.”
“We could make it look pretty real.”
“I don’t think so. Get me another latte will ya.”
“Sure. Be right back. Hey, Barista I would like another low foam, decaf, almond milk, latte.”
“You have to wait sir. You are not next.”
“Oh yeah, see this gun. Everyone on the floor. Barista draw that latte and don’t touch the alarm.”
Fiction Favorites 
Wow. Billy really loves his lattes. He’s still not as crazy as some of the people I’ve seen get impatient there. Wonder how many people are live streaming the thing to YouTube instead of taking cover.
LikeLike
Knowing the Starbucks crowd a number of them.
LikeLike
I’m beginning to wonder if it’s too late for Billy to run the other way. You know, count his loses with ole Frankie. Coffee’s important, but obviously there’s more going on here. 😉 Wonder if it’s nerves.
LikeLike
I think Frank has Billy in a bad position. Never used a gun in a bank robbery, but is free to force his way to the head of the line. A little unbalanced if you ask me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oops! I’d say Billy is a bit trigger happy. He wants to impress Frank, but they both might end up in the slammer before they make it to the bank.
LikeLike
I hope not. Too many more stories.
LikeLike
Please let Billy know that I get it. As my family will attest, anyone who stands between me and caffeination totally takes their life in their hands. Susie sent me over from her party. I think Billy needs to come back with me!
LikeLike
Thanks Barb
LikeLike
Nice story. I liked it. Thanks to Susie for routing me to your blog.
LikeLike
Thank you for the visit
LikeLike
That will get him service, but without a smile!
Good one, John!
Thanks for bringing this rootin’ tootin’ post to the blog share party! Have fun clicking on links and meeting my friends! Tell them, “Susie sent me,” and they should click back here!
LikeLiked by 1 person
SQUEALS!! Hey my new friend. Susie sent me 🙂 Great story! XOXO – Bacon
LikeLike
Ans nice to have you visit. Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can empathize with the willingness to use lethal force when requiring caffeine. Not that I’d ever follow through with such a thing myself, but I can see where a man may reach such dire straits!
LikeLike
It is the kind of rage that builds up in the DMV.
LikeLike
Wanting to use force at Starbucks is not so far fetched.
LikeLike
One should be able to reward a snotty barista with a cream pie to the face.
LikeLike
You know, I have always said, one should carry a stash of cream pies around just for that reason. I am not kidding. How funny you should say that!!!!
LikeLike
I have always thought a pie in the face would solve the problem of war.
LikeLike
My thinking exactly!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those two need a divorce from each other. Somebody’s liable to get shot in the foot or worse (by accident) soon.
😀 😀 😀
LikeLike
I think you are right. maybe they should go into a different business. I hear the dynamite drivers union is looking for help.
LikeLike
Heaven help them each and all. 😀 😀 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
In good ole South Carolina, the gun *could* be legal with a concealed carry permit. Our poor restauranteurs are being forced to put up signs telling patrons they cannot bring in their guns……..Billy might fit right in.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my goodness, I love that last line! Nice job, John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Shotguns are only legal if you’re ordering Grande, silly rabbit. Love you how talk coffee, Sheriff.
LikeLike
Coffee is my drug of choice.
LikeLike
My man.
LikeLike
Yes
On Sat, Nov 1, 2014 at 8:21 AM, Fiction Favorites wrote:
>
LikeLike