The jeep jolted over rough terrain. Phillips struggled to breathe under the thick gauze. His wrists ached where they were strapped together.

***

‘You’ll travel to Idlib. They’ll make contact, then take you to their base somewhere in the An-Nusayrirah mountains.’

‘Seems awfully thin.’ Phillips said.

‘Our government thinks it’s a chance worth taking if it gets them to negotiate.’

Phillips kept quiet. It appeared the only risk involved was to his neck.

***

The jeep skidded to a halt. He was thrown to the ground. He felt cool metal pressed into his temple.

It didn’t feel like the start of a negotiation.

Written as part of the Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).

To read stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

Other short stories featuring the character Phillips are here: THE PHILLIPS SPY STORIES.