Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #222

In Keith’s words.

“Using this photo ( below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com 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.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next Monday.”

The photo.

Kreative Kue #222

In Three by John W. Howell © 2019

“Yeah, I think we are good to go.”

“I’m sorry I can’t understand you.”

“What do you mean you can’t understand me?”

“Just what I said.”

“Do I need to speak up cause if I do I don’t want anyone to overhear.”

“No, I hear you fine. I just have a problem with what you mean by ‘good to go.”‘

“You’re kidding, right?”

“No.”

“It means I have planted the explosives and we are ready to execute in three minutes.”

“Execute? My gosh are you sure you have the right number?”

“Is this 210-555-5555?”

“Yes, that is correct.”

“Black Operations?”

“Black what?”

“Black Operations?”

“My heavens no. This is Birdies Gift Shop.”

“Birdies gift sh— What the hell? This burner phone is preprogrammed. How did I get you?”

“I’m sure I don’t know, but there is no need to raise our voice, young man.”

“Raise my voice? I’m going to be forced to do a little more than that. Where are you?”

“In front of the shop.”

“No, I mean the address.”

“For some reason, I don’t think I should tell you.”

“Aw come on. I just want to say hello and maybe buy some gifts.”

“I’m sorry whoever you are. We don’t carry explosives. I’m hanging up now.”

“What is it, young man?”
“Can we forget this conversation?”
“Why should I do that? You want me to file the assignment report, don’t you?”
“For heaven’s sake. Is that you, Jenkins?”
“Had you going, huh?”
“You have a warped sense of humor, you know that?”
“Tell me when the building is dust.”
“Will do. Lance out. By the way. I’m going to get you for this.”
“Can’t wait for you to try double o eight.”

49 comments

  1. Keith Edgar Channing's avatar

    For a moment there, I thought the NSA were listening in (you’ll have to excuse me, we’re just coming to the end of binge-watching The Good Wife on Netflix – other streaming services are available – and the listening service features in places.)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They might be. I would get a tin foil hat just in case.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Keith Edgar Channing's avatar

        Shiny side out or in?

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Out for sure. More reflective that way.

          Liked by 1 person

  2. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    Jenkins might want to watch his back for a bit. Never a good idea to pull a prank on a spy.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Pretty gutsy I would say. Especially when the other guy has explosives.

      Like

  3. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
    Gwen Plano · ·

    Great one, John. This story captured me right away, and I’ve learned there is laughter even among the hardened criminals. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Gwen. Yes humor is everywhere.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Jill Weatherholt's avatar

    LOL! Good one, John…I enjoyed this. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m glad you did, Jill. Thank you. 😁

      Like

  5. GP's avatar

    haha, Jenkins nearly sent 008 into a coronary!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Quite a jokester for sure. Thanks, GP.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. coldhandboyack's avatar

    Shades of Spy vs Spy.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      So true. Thanks, Craig.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Website: http://brchitwood.com - B R Chitwood - My Mission: Writing to Discover Me's avatar

    Great, ‘Explosive’ piece, John! Great wit! Loved it!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Billy Ray.

      Like

  8. Mae Clair's avatar

    You always manage to take me by surprise with your twists. Bravo!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Mae. I do try. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Mae Clair's avatar

        And succeed 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          *Double blush* Thanks, Mae.

          Liked by 1 person

  9. Dale's avatar

    This is my umpteenth time trying to post a comment. WP is being an a**hole…

    You rock at these, John. You always take us where we don’t expect to go!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Dale. I always like to do that thing.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar

        You do it very well

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Aw *blush* Thank you Dale.

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Dale's avatar

          I tells it likes it is 😉

          Liked by 1 person

  10. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    Hilarious! This was a twist I did not see coming! You are the master of surprises, John! 🙂 Thanks for the chuckle.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jan.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Jennie's avatar

    This was really good, John! Pay back is gonna be hell. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is. I think Jenkins ought to soak every package he gets in a pail of water before opening.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jennie's avatar

        Haha! 😀

        Liked by 1 person

  12. robertawrites235681907's avatar

    You had me going too, John. Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      My job is done here. Thanks, Robbie.

      Like

  13. Dan Antion's avatar

    Nice double twist there, John. That was fun!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Dan

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Jacquie Biggar's avatar

    Lol, Jenkins better watch his back!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I would say so. Thanks, Jacquie.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Debbie's avatar

    My eyes were drawn to the mess on the roof. Looks like an enormous bird decided to use the left window and dormer for a bathroom! Nicely done, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Hahaha. Thanks, Debbie.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. circadianreflections's avatar

    For a while there I thought, “We’re reading a possible chapter from his thriller books!

    What a pair of pranksters!

    There sure are a lot of windows on that building! I do like the architecture and thought of all the light getting in.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I like the word “pranksters.” That is totally accurate. Thanks, Deborah.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. The Hook's avatar

    You’re a master of the craft, John.
    Period.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Nice to say, Hook. Thank you.

      Like

  18. Unknown's avatar

    […] In Three by John W. Howell © 2019 […]

    Like