There are two possibilities—the Smiths have got themselves a dog or a baby. The chewy toys drying on their line are consistent with either. Yet, there is no barking, nor also wailing.
I shift my plaster cast to a more comfortable position on the stool and reach for the binoculars. Nothing moves next door except Mrs Smith ironing. Whoever or whatever plays with those toys is not visible. Silent? Invisible? That can mean only one thing—a soundproof, locked room. And that can mean only one thing.
I dial. “Hello? Police? I’d like to report a kidnap gang.”
.
Friday fictioneers is a weekly challenge set by Rochelle Wisoff Fields to write a 100-word story in response to a photo prompt. You can find other stories here
Neil MacDonald Author 
Oh no! Jumping to conclusions. At least that’s my take. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are some jumps in logic
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Neil
Some Rear Window vibes going on here.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
You spotted the reference
LikeLike
Haha! ~ Somehow I expect the police are not unaccustomed to getting calls from this guy! He needs a hobby. With an imagination like that … why not blogging?! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Dora. They do have a large file on him
LikeLike
Your protagonist need to use an ultra-telephoto lens and sound like Jimmy Stewart. lol, sorry, I used to watch too much Hitchcock. I think the police will need more info to get a search warrant, but then, maybe I’m wrong.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t think the police will be turning up at all. Thanks, Trent
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most likely not.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Snoopy neighbors sure can be a royal pain!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Especially those with an over-active imagination
LikeLike
I see trouble ahead if he does not learn to curb his imagination
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have a word with him, would you?
LikeLike
Talk about jumping to conclusions. He definitely needs a hobby or a job.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’s a big picture man
LikeLiked by 1 person
Someone has quite an imagination!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m afraid so
LikeLike
Oh, I love a taste of rear window! The mind will tell us things but we know, we know the truth… for a writer even more so 🤣🤣🤣
LikeLiked by 1 person
An inescapable certain truth. Thanks, Laurie
LikeLike
It is awkward. How do you explain being deeply interested in your neighbours and suspect there is a crime, when you end up wasting police time.? Yet, people do. It’s that feeling of having done nothing and feeling guilty if your suspicion is played out. Your story hits the theme on the head.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, James
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello? Police? I’d like to report a snooper!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sauce for the goose, eh?
LikeLike
This man need to get on his computer and join his local “neighborhood” Facebook chat page. All such mysteries are resolved there among like minded folks, usually without help from Interpol. Fun story, Neil.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Bill
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think my explanation (out of toilet paper) makes the most sense, but yours is much more fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Russell
LikeLike
Sign of the times today. Him, a peeping Tom too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’s overly observant perhaps
LikeLike
Boredom and an active imagination is a recipe for trouble – but you never know! A very enjoyable tale. Love the movie Rear Window. Maybe it’s time for a re-watch.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Brenda
LikeLike
I thought of “Rear Window,” too. I think your protagonist will cause more problems than he solves.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you’re right. Thanks for reading
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes he has a wild imagination alright, I’m glad he doesn’t live next to me lol
LikeLiked by 2 people
Maybe he does
LikeLike
Now that was a surprise. Well done, sleuth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Amanda
LikeLike
Well that original “I wonder” sure escalated. Nosey neighbour needs to find himself something else to do with his time as he heals from whatever has landed himself in a plaster cast.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perhaps the original injury was getting punched out by an irate neighbour
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great twist 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kidnappers foiled by nosy neighbor in a cast.
Pretty lucky for the kidnapped.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Extraordinarily lucky. Assuming, of course, there was a kidnapping
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I detected the Hitchcock vibes, too. I pity people who have nothing better to do than watch their neighbours with binoculars. Why doesn’t he learn hacking, then he’d be after real secrets… 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a good idea. He may be back in future weeks with new skills
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s quite the jump to conclusions. Now I’m thinking of all the other possibilities, like relatives with young children coming to visit soon. 🙂 I’m guessing this guy has called the police before. Great story.
-David
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, David
LikeLike
Ohhh, I feel they are dancing on a fine line.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Or perhaps well over the line
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s what happens when you have a bum leg and too much time on your hands. Funny story, and I’m sure the neighbors just love him.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Jade
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome, Neil.
LikeLike