draliman on life

Here is my story for Roger’s Flash Fiction for the Purposeful Practitioner challenge. To read this week’s other stories click on the blue frog.

The supplied opening sentence is in bold in my story. Since I wanted a sort of lead-in, I’ve popped it in a little further down. The image is public domain and was sourced here.

Public domain image

Gather round, dear friends, and listen to the sad story of Terry McGraw, Idiot Thief…

The last time, everything fit in three duffels.

This time it took five.

If he hadn’t been disturbed mid-burgle, he wouldn’t have had to leave the duffels hidden at the back of the conference room of the hotel. He was going back for them.

If he hadn’t been in such a rush, he would have done his research. If he had half a brain he wouldn’t have gone back tonight of all nights.

Because he went in the back he didn’t see the banners.

Because he crept through the bushes he didn’t see the cars.

Because he snuck in through a service door he didn’t get a good look at the arrivals.

If he’d stopped to listen he wouldn’t have burst through the service door.

If he’d taken a moment to stop and take notice he would have seen the banner above the stage – ‘New York Police Department Annual Awards Ceremony’.

If he’d had an ounce of sense he wouldn’t have drawn his gun.

And here ends the story, dear friends, of the late unlamented Terry McGraw, Idiot Thief, RIP.