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.”
