The Robber

© Ayr/Gray

The Unicorn Challenge.

A magical new weekly writing opportunity from him – C. E. Ayr – and me.
The rules are
Maximum of 250 words.
Based on photo prompt.
That’s it.

Click here to read other stories from the prompt: 19/04/24

The Robber

Inspector Caughtalot tips his fedora back, scratches his head – it’s going to be a long day.
When the call came from the casino for urgent police attendance – there had been a robbery – it spoiled his enjoyment of a mid-morning espresso.
And now, here he is, interviewing witnesses.
‘So, tell me again, Madame.’
‘He was average height and…’
‘No, definitely tall, and dark hair.’
‘Not at all, he was fair, with a beard.’
A homeless guy joins in.
‘Spiders, giant spiders crawling…’
The inspector knows the man.
‘Not now, Simon, this is serious.’
‘It was a woman, I tell you.’
‘That was never a woman. Not with hips like that, straight up and down? No way.’
‘Definitely a man, dark-haired…’
‘Mum…’
‘I suggest you clean your spectacles, Madame. His hair was bright red.’
‘…Spinning their webs, trapping us…’
‘He was wearing cords and a brown jacket.’
‘Mum…’
‘Shh, Kenny.’
‘No, it was dark blue – the jacket. I mean.’
‘…stuck to the web, tangled…’
‘MUUUM!’
’What is it, Kenny?’
‘Look at the Spiderman! It’s …’
‘Will you be quiet, Kenny!’
Inspector Caughtalot hears, turns sharply to see, conveniently for the story, a man lurking round a corner.
He’s wearing black jeans and a sweatshirt with the sleeves cut off.
The tattoo of a giant spider is splayed across his bald head – its webs run down his arms.
The clincher?
He’s carrying a bulging sports bag.
‘After him, men,’ shouts the Inspector.
The boy turns to his mother.
‘Mum, why’s Dad running away?’