Sunday Photo Fiction is a weekly challenge presented by my old friend Al Forbes.
The idea is to write a short story (200 word max) inspired by what you see in his picture (below).
This week’s absorbing photo takes me to a different place.
Not on the far side of Asia, but here, much closer to home.
Click on this link to enter your tale, and see what others have written.
Copyright Al Forbes
Chinatown
Every major city has one.
Vibrant and exciting, with open-fronted stores selling exotic spices, herbs and roots.
Other, darker, interiors, are treasure troves of strange artefacts, inlaid with writing indecipherable to the uneducated Western eye.
And restaurants, bustling with life, serving tasty meals at affordable prices.
But I am not here to eat.
Nor to browse through the fascinating trinkets, or intriguing foodstuff.
I have a job to do.
He is a middle level gang boss, not a big fish, but significant.
More important is the message.
This says that we can come to their territory and step on their toes.
The police will be involved, of course, which will annoy them even more.
They do not like the authorities to have an excuse to pry.
That is why I shot him in the street, in front of a group of tourists.
There is no way to hush it up.
You might think that increases my chances of being identified.
Not really.
No one looks at my face.
After all, by the time they realise what is happening, I am running.
And I am wearing a kilt.
Sound Bite Fiction 
Interesting story. It took time as i didn’t know what kilt is then googled it. Nice tactic.
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Misdirection works for writers, too. Nicely done.
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Hopefully so, Dave, I do try, perhaps predictably so!
Thanks for visiting and taking the time to comment.
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a lovely, dark comedy! excitement rushed into my head along with dread. thank you!
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Well thank you and my apologies.
It is not often a reader gets excited, although perhaps if you go down to Dale’s comments, you might think she is heading that way too.
Welcome, sir, I am happy you enjoyed your visit.
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Hiding in plain sight. And what a sight. The flying Scotsman, no less. 😉
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Cough.
Yes, Steve, thank you.
Move along please, nothing to see here.
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I like this, kilt or not. Nice tension and mood.
Tracey
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Well, or not, and it is a different story.
Cannae hae a fella running about the toon wi’ his bahookie hingin’ oot, wummin!
Glad you liked.
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The use of a kilt….too funny for words! Fabulous story. 🙂
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A comment that makes me glow with pleasure!
Thank you, ma’am.
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A kilt in China town. That would make me sit up and take notice.
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Exactly, Joseph, you notice the kilt.
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True Dat!
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Dear CE,
No doubt the wearer of the kilt (age old question aside) has stunning legs. Clever twist on a theme. Nothng less than I expect from you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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All Scots have stunning legs, Rochelle.
One long and one short, fur rinnin’ roon’ the bens an’ doon the glens, lassie.
And thank you, I strive to live up to your expectations.
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Reblogged this on anelephantcant and commented:
AnElephantCant speak Chinese
The idea amuses him lots and lots
He’s hopeless at German or French
English is a wrench
But hoots mon he’s richt braw bletherin’ Scots
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So true… Every big city does have a Chinatown. You describe it so well.
Love the kilt part – who would pay attention to the face when they are looking for the answer to the age-old question?
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Ah, my dear Dale, I did wonder who was going to say it.
I guess it was only a question of whether someone would beat you to it, because you were never going to leave it alone, were you?
I am still laughing at your uncharacteristic subtlety.
Glad you liked my view of Chinatown, they have a comforting similarity in my experience.
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You should have known it would be me! Of course I couldn’t possibly leave it alone!
Uncharacteristically subtle? Moi??
Yes, they do. I’ve been to a few and you just get that special feeling.
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Enjoyable. Well paced (as usual) and nice conclusion. Probably too intent on the kilt to notice anything else!
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Glad to hear it, Hamish.
A kilt does tend to draw the eye, as Dale explains above!
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Love the idea of disguise that is not really one you would notice… Most people would remember seeing somebody in a mask and give a good description of height et cetera, but no real description of the kilt wearer! Brilliant.
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Thanks, Angie, glad you enjoyed it, and got the point of the kilt.
Dale, above, spells it out!
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A kilt! Brilliant diversion tactic! Better than a mask!
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Centuries of scientific tests show that no one has ever noticed the face of a man running in a kilt.
There is no explanation for this.
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Once more you prove that good research is essential for good writing. .. then again, we expect no less.
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heh. Another dead gang-banger. I enjoyed this 🙂
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Thanks, Al.
Happy New Year to you and yours, mon ami.
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Have a fabulous New Year whether in the south of France or the North of the Highlands.. Thanks for taking part every week.
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My pleasure, Al.
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