Let Keith explain what we have here in his words. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here – pingbacks don’t often work.
Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”
The Photo.
Mystery by John W. Howell © 2017
“So I was saying to Chelsea, ‘I really need to get a different hairstyle—'”
“Hold on. I’ve seen that cop before.”
“Huh? Oh, that guy in the hideous orange thingy?”
“Yes. Keep your voice down. Look straight ahead and keep walking.”
“What’s the matter, Leon?”
“I’m telling you. I think that guy is following us. He has is back to us now, but I’m sure he was down at the last intersection.”
“Following us? Why would he do that?”
“I’m not sure, but I can’t shake the feeling we are being watched.”
“Oh don’t be silly. You and I are a couple out for a stroll. We look perfectly normal.”
“That’s what I hope, Esa. Just a couple of tourists walking along.”
“I think you are getting paranoid.”
“I think I have every right don’t you?”
“I don’t think we should talk about that now, do you?”
“It was your idea after all.”
“Yes that’s true but you are in it, and there is nothing you can do but keep walking.”
“He just looked at us.”
“I’m an attractive woman. He’s a cop for God’s sake. Of course, he would look.”
“He’s on his radio.”
“So what? That’s what they do. That and eat donuts.”
“Very funny. Say what you want we had better get a plan together.’
“We have a plan. Keep walking.”
“Are you sure that guy was reliable?”
“Of course. No one knows us or what we look like so calm down.”
“Excuse me, folks.”
“Y-yes officer?”
“You have something trailing out of your backpack.”
“Oh my goodness. Thank you, officer.”
“Looks like coffee beans. Please stop and let me have a look.”
“I can explain sir.”
“I think you’d better. Unless I’m mistaken, it looks like you have a whole bunch of coffee in that pack. Please step back and put your hands where I can see them. I think you may be in some pretty deep trouble. Looks like you could be charged with possession and distribution of a controlled substance. Big C is illegal here.”
“You and your caffeine habit. Looks what it has gotten us now.”
“Oh shut up. I’m jonesing for a Grande right now.”
Fiction Favorites 
Now that was an unexpected ending! The photo reminds me of the 85th street transverse in Central Park. So, today I traveled, expanded my vocabulary (jonesing) – all while having my morning caffeine. Nice job, John. 🙂
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I’m not sure you will need the word except to listen in on a conversation of youths . (pronounced yoots as in the movie My Cousin Vinny) Thanks, Gwen.
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John, LOL (shakes head…). You are one in a million my friend. I’ve long said that I’m just not wired right — and I begin to think we had the same electrician. 😀
If they outlaw caffeine, I’m moving to Mexico or Canada… or somewhere.
Have a terrific Tuesday. (Ugh… no time for a 2nd cup of caffeine. Where’s the Excedrin?) Mega hugs.
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Turn Terrible Tuesday into Thumping Teagan Tuesday. (Think of the glass of wine at the end) Hugs. 😀
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Great closer, John! It’s only Tuesday…I’m needing more coffee right now. Have a great day!
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Here’s a nickel bag. Don’t tell anyone where you got it. Congrats on the release.
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But without coffee how will the cops enjoy their doughnuts?
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Washed down with liquid Solient Green
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Yuuuuck.
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Ha ha ha.
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“Oh, what a world, what a world” Coffee a controlled substance. We CANNOT let that happen. Those donuts aren’t going to wash themselves down. Nicely done, but a little too scary, John.
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Ha ha ha,. This was my political statement today. A little scary for sure. 😀
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Nicely done. Can see that happening to sodas in the future too.
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Especially in the Big Cups 😀
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Just love it, Mr John! Great story twist!
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Thank you, John
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That wasn’t Matt Jacobs Colombian strain, was it?
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How did you know? Yes it was.
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Lucky guess! 😛
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😀
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HaHa, good one, John!
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Thanks, Debbie.
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What kind of sick people would outlaw caffeine?
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The Bureau of Outlawing Everything Good.
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That might have been me this morning before my coffee fix…although I’m a wuss and drink it decaffeinated.
Good one, John!
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Thanks, Mae Clair. 😀
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Didn’t see that one coming. 🙂
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Good. I love to deliver surprises. 🙂
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Can you imagine what a state we’d all be if coffee were outlawed? Can’t even begin to wrap my head around that. Fabulous twist. 😀 😀 😀
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I know Right? I would have to flee or break the law. Thanks, Tess.
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I confess I’d be tempted into a life of crime. 😦 😀
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Yup.
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I’ve been told many times not to bother trying to talk like my children. I’m always a few weeks behind and sound silly. I could go for coffee about now. 🙂
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Talk about frustration. Better to keep ones own slang.
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Oh dear. It looks like he’ll need a robusta defence to keep him out of jail. I hope his documents are in order; if not, he could end up being sent back to Java!
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Ha ha ha. A tall order for sure.
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I’m jealous of cops. They get to watch pretty girls and eat donuts, and talk cool sounding numbers into the radio . . . all day. What a gig!
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Don’t forget the gun. 😀
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