Prompt: A Shooting in a Public Place

Words: shipwreck, pummel, nurse, structure, home, offset, cabin, puppy, knot, tide

Story

“Do you think this is safe? I’m not sure…”

“It’s a public place, Ruth, if anything goes wrong there’s bound to be a nurse around.”

Ruth curled her lip. “Keep that up, and I will pummel you. I can’t believe…”

“I’m heading to the shipwreck now. You can stay home if you want.”

“You are not leaving me alone in that…structure you call a cabin, Corey. Someone has to be the tide of reason.”

Corey and Ruth shouldered nylon bags and slipped through the knots of people in the courtyard around the ship on display. They tried to give off the air of puppy-like innocence as they meandered their way closer to the ropes and guards. Their demeanor slipped into the suspicious category.

“If we separate we can maybe offset…”

Suddenly they were swarmed by uniformed officers holding weapons. “Put down the bags and raise your hands slowly.”

Corey and Ruth did as instructed. Ruth nearly vomited from fear. “What’s this all about?”

“We’ll ask the questions. On your knees. Why are you here?”

“To shoot the ship…” Corey began but his words were drowned out by officers raising weapons and crying orders.

“Photographs!” Ruth shouted desperately. “Cameras! We’re photographers!”

“Did you see the ‘no photography’ sign?”

Word Count: 207

Written: 3/21/18