Photo: © Al Forbes 2014

 

Jimbo wasn’t a very happy boat. In fact most of the time, he felt sad.

He didn’t like being so little. He was jealous of the bigger boats. They got all the fame and attention. Even the ones that sank. Especially the ones that sank! But not poor Jimbo. He had been overturned many times, and no one thought to make a film about it.

This weekend, was the last straw! All Jimbo heard about, was people talking about the big ships that sailed over to Normandy, seventy years ago. How they, even at risk to themselves, carried the brave men that freed a continent, and saved the world. The best that Jimbo ever got to do, was get rowed up and down a safe, man-made lake. Big deal!

But then Jimbo overheard something that completely turned him around. He heard about the bravery of lots of little boats four years before Normandy. They went over to France and rescued a battered army, that lived to fight another day. So, if it wasn’t for the little boats, the big boats couldn’t have done their thing.

Jimbo realised that because of the brave boats, big and small, people were free to row their boats and paddle their own canoes. Or just mess about on the water.

And then he didn’t feel sad any more.

 

This story is intended as a tribute to all those who risked their lives, to fight for the freedom we enjoy today. Their sacrifice is not forgotten.

 

The picture prompt is from Sunday Photo Fiction: June 8th 2014, hosted by Al Forbes.

Click the logo for more details.

To read the other stories written on this prompt, click the blue frog.

Photo: © Al Forbes 2014

 

Yes sir, I thought that the name Ahab Smerk was a bit fishy. I met him on a boating holiday in Wales. But he was a smooth operator – craftily introducing his business proposition to me over a complimentary Scampi and Chips.

As I wiped the tartare sauce from his glossy brochure, I could see that Smerk was deadly serious. He was looking for some investors interested in a little offshore action. ‘Smerk Leisure Park at Sea. All the profits are Tax free!’

It did seem ambitious, but there were photos of the Rollercoaster being towed into position. At least that’s what he said.

But when I mentioned that some of my colleagues at the Tax office might be interested in this venture, and he upped anchor and slipped into the sunset.

The thing was, he left all of these Share Certificates and Literature behind. And it seemed a shame not to sell them, just to the diners in the café, initially.

Then things really took off. Pretty soon, I’d set up a stall on the seafront at weekends. Not a bad place for a shell corporation!

But the tide soon turned, and I was left high and dry. Those pesky investors scuppered the deal.

So, Judge, if you’ll show me some leniency on a first offence, I can give you some sound tax advice. And I might let you in on another sweet deal I’m working on.

 

This story is prompted by Sunday Photo Fiction: 18 May 2014, hosted by Al Forbes. Click the logo for more details.

 

To view the other stories on this prompt, click the blue frog!

 

Photo: © Al Forbes 2014

 

Arthur North looked out of his shop window, and noticed a young woman in a smart business suit climbing out of a black Ford. She walked over towards his door. He rushed over, and opened it with a flourish.

“Hello, young lady! Welcome to Art N Antiques. Don’t get many of you City types down here. I bet you’re from one of those swanky Kensington galleries?” The woman smiled.

“You’re welcome to have a look around, Miss. In fact I’ve got a new piece you might like to have a look at. ‘The Blue Lady’, I call her.

“Here we are. It’s a bit too modern for my liking, but those high rollers in the West End will lap it up. I can see you’re taken by it. £500 shall we say? We do a Delivery service at cost price.”

The woman nodded silently as she walked around the shop, making a few notes. She appeared to be talking to herself. Within moments, two large men in suits casually walked over from the Ford and into the shop. They waited by the door.

The woman approached Arthur with a consoling smile. “Sorry, Artie. I’m one of the ‘Ladies in Blue’ myself – Detective Inspector Turner, Kent C.I.D. That artwork was stolen from outside the ‘Raisin D.’ Bar in Dover last week. As it turns out, you’ve got a few pieces that interest me. It’s okay, I can collect. Get your coat, Arthur!”

 

Story prompted by Sunday Photo Fiction, May 11 2014, hosted by Al Forbes. Click the link for more details.

To view the other stories in this week’s challenge, click the logo.

 

I had the idea of getting out, from one of those old war movies. The one with all those great escapes in. I’ve been watching those builders taking scrap metal out at 4pm every day. Back at 6pm. I knew that would give me all the time I needed.

There’s some loose planks on the back of the truck that leave enough room for me and the stuff. I’ve done this run a few times so I know the routine. They always call at the pub on the retail park, to have a meal and a pint. Then drop the scrap at the tip, before going back.

The thing is, when you’ve been ‘inside’ for as long as we have, you need something to brighten the place up. ‘Homely Bargain Bins’ is our shop of choice. They have some tasteful home decor, in the latest styles, and at reasonable prices. Especially when you know the security guards.

I’ve just taken a photo of the van with my new smartphone. It’s a five finger discount, of course.

It’s time to get back aboard. Don’t worry, I’ve got three hundred honest lads who’ll give me an alibi. If you’re wondering why we need a lot of stuff? Because we live in a big house!

 

This is my contribution to Sunday Photo Fiction, May 04 2014, Hosted by Al Forbes. For more details, click the logo. 

To view the other stories in this challenge, click the blue frog!