IAIN KELLY

AXING THE SHOW

It was all too much: those young bronzed bodies, those small swimsuits. He just had to get closer.

The overhanging tree under which they sought shade provided his opportunity. He slowly shimmied up until he was almost directly above them.

Just as he was beginning to admire the view his mobile phone vibrated in his pocket. He thanked the stars he had put it on silent mode.

‘Hello?’ Archie whispered.

‘Hi. Look behind you.’

Archie turned. Behind him he saw Agnes. She was holding an axe.

He couldn’t tell if she meant to use it on the tree or on him.


finding-a-signal
Copyright Susan Eames

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.

Catch up with all the Agnes and Archie Stories here: THE AGNES AND ARCHIE STORIES


My first novel, ‘A Justified State,’ is available now
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105 responses to “AXING THE SHOW”

  1. neilmacdon Avatar

    He’s safe for a bit, unless she can climb with an axe. He’s up a tree.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      How long can he hold out, that’s the question.

      Like

  2. rochellewisoff Avatar

    Dear Iain,

    He’s in quite a predicament, isn’t he? Nicely done.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      There’s no easy way out for him, that’s for sure! Thanks Rochelle 🙂

      Like

  3. Sandra Avatar

    I think he’s about to make a rapid, closer acquaintance with those bronzed bodies beneath. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      It might be a way to introduce himself to them…! 🙂

      Like

  4. Varad Avatar

    I don’t think the (mis)adventures of Archie and Agnes are ending yet. Poor tree, though!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      They always seem to keep coming back for more scrapes 🙂

      Like

  5. Tannille Avatar

    Busted lol.
    Fun read.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Totally. Thank you

      Like

  6. Susan A Eames Avatar

    Ha ha – so funny – thanks for making me laugh, Iain. 🙂

    Susan A Eames at
    Travel, Fiction and Photos

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      You’re welcome, always good to know a laugh has been raised 🙂

      Like

  7. Keith's Ramblings Avatar

    Either way, it doesn’t sound good! Nice one Iain.

    My go at Friday Fictioneers!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      You’re right, it’s not going to end well. Thanks Keith

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      You don’t want to mess with Agnes on the warpath.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. trentpmcd Avatar

    Ooops, I think dropping straight down to the sand (missing bronzed beauties) and running is his best bet….

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Yep, but it’s a long run back to the hotel… 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. trentpmcd Avatar

        An axe usually gives great incentive to sprint faster than Usain Bolt 😉

        Liked by 1 person

  9. Dale Avatar

    I’m thinking he can give out a shout below and make a run for it!
    Fun one, Iain!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Dale – a good excuse to introduce himself to those bronzed bodies! 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale Avatar

        Exactly!

        Liked by 1 person

  10. granonine Avatar

    Wonderful humor 🙂 I did realize the man up the tree was using his cell, but I chose to interpret it as him looking through his small binoculars.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Linda

      Liked by 1 person

  11. joyroses13 Avatar

    LOL! Glad to see Agnes and Archie back, though wondering if Archie will be around much longer. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you – he always seems to survive, he must be able to sweet talk Agnes round! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sadje Avatar

        You’re welcome 😊

        Liked by 1 person

  12. pensitivity101 Avatar

    This is brilliant Iain. I’m still smiling!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you so much Di, always good to spread a smile 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. pensitivity101 Avatar

        🙂 Likewise.

        Liked by 1 person

  13. Writing Sparkle Avatar
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you so much 🙂

      Like

  14. Anita Avatar

    Private moment intruded!
    She caught him! 🙂
    Smart story!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Anita 🙂

      Like

  15. Lady Coloresque Avatar

    Goodness, another murder -tree or him I wonder?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Either way, Agnes will have her revenge! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Lady Coloresque Avatar

        I knew it 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  16. patriciaruthsusan Avatar

    Good story, Iain. I wouldn’t want to see anyone behind me with an ax, especially if I was on a limb. Here’s wishing the best for Archie. Well written. 🙂 — Suzanne

    Liked by 1 person

  17. patriciaruthsusan Avatar

    Good story, Iain. I wouldn’t want to see anyone behind me with an ax, especially if I was on a limb. Here’s wishing the best for Archie. Well written. 🙂 — Suzanne

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Suzanne 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  18. pennygadd51 Avatar

    You’ve written that story really well, Iain, making every word count. Archie’s in a predicament now – it’s a long drop from that branch!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      And a long run back to the hotel too! Thanks Penny 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  19. scr4pl80 Avatar

    LOL I was wondering what was happening with Agnes and Archie. He’s got some time to figure out a good story for her if all she has is an ax – chain saw might be a bit different.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      You underestimate the strength of Agnes when she’s in a rage! Thanks Janet 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  20. aheartforafrica641064503 Avatar
    aheartforafrica641064503

    LOL

    Liked by 1 person

  21. notestowomen Avatar

    Haha. Whether she uses the ax on him or on the tree, he’s in real hot water!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      He certainly is!

      Like

  22. Brenda's Thoughts Avatar

    Love it! I can imagine her with the axe in her hand and menacing look on her face. I don’t suppose it was worth the view after-all. =)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Definitely not worth it! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  23. deborahsdeliberations Avatar
    deborahsdeliberations

    Poor Archie. Agnes caught him redhanded. He’s in a real pickle now.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Lets hope he can think up an excuse quick!

      Like

  24. bearmkwa Avatar
    bearmkwa

    Ohhh, that is a vicious one. Great writing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  25. plaridel Avatar

    unless agnes has an axe to grind (pun intended), he should feel safe. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      🙂 Thank you

      Liked by 1 person

  26. David Stewart Avatar

    He might be staying up in that tree for a while if she doesn’t chop it down first. 🙂 Nicely done.
    -David

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks David

      Like

  27. Abhijit Ray Avatar

    Lecherous man, this Archie. No wonder Agnes is so upset.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Yep, he’s going to suffer

      Like

  28. draliman Avatar

    I’m thinking it’s the tree first, then him 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      She’s got him lined up for sure!

      Liked by 1 person

  29. ceayr Avatar

    A laddie in a pickle, for sure

    Liked by 1 person

  30. Woman walking Max Avatar

    Great scene you create. Love the last line. Most entertaining.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Like

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      It’s a difficult one to talk his way out of! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  31. gahlearner Avatar
    gahlearner

    I hope she leaves the tree alone. Archie better run. And Agnes better kick him out, he’s no good.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Yeah, shame if the innocent tree is punished!

      Liked by 1 person

  32. DB McNicol Avatar

    Too funny, Ian! BTW, I can’t help but be in awe of all the comments your writing gets!!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you DB, every one of them is much appreciated, I try to reciprocate as much as possible too 🙂

      Like

  33. Laurie Bell Avatar

    Haha haha just as he was beginning to admire the view…
    Um… is that what I think it is?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      🙂 Thanks Laurie

      Like

  34. Dawn M. Miller Avatar

    LOL…love this!
    We eacg =h have our unique perspective…that is SO awesome!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Dawn 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  35. neeltheauthor- author of WHEN LIFE THROWS THOSE CURVE BALLS Avatar

    Looks like the landing is not going to be a smooth one. Lovely antics of the two.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Neel

      Like

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      🙂 Thank you

      Like

  36. Kalpana Solsi Avatar

    This story made me laugh. The last line changed everything. I can imagine her , fuming, with the axe.

    https://ideasolsi65.blogspot.com/2019/05/the-cellphone.html

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Like

  37. theministryofshrawleywalks Avatar

    Agnes sounds a piece of work, and i say he’s in a spot of bother here!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      She certainly is a force to be reckoned with – or avoided!

      Like

  38. 4963andypop Avatar

    Archie seems like quite a rascal but he’s met his match in Agnes.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      She’s been keeping him honest for years now 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  39. Margaret Avatar

    So funny. Every Archie needs an Agnes to keep him honest.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Absolutely 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  40. kzmcb Avatar

    Agnes, in the coconut palm, with the axe. Most unexpected but an enjoyable read.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Haha, thank you 🙂

      Like

  41. James McEwan Avatar

    Some girls just like their privacy and Agnes was serious. Let him talk himself out of that one.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      He’ll have a hard time. Thanks James.

      Liked by 1 person

  42. Russell Gayer Avatar

    I’m assuming Agnes was his wife. They can get pretty irritated when their husbands are girl watching. I recommend large-frame dark sunglasses so they can’t see your eyes.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Top tip 🙂

      Like

  43. Fatima Fakier Avatar

    Let’s see him talk his way out of this one. This was a fun read. Enjoyed these two characters.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Fatima 🙂

      Like

  44. ForgivingConnects Avatar

    Oh my gosh, Iain! That’s a surprise ending. 🙂 Your short stories are fantastic––so full of twists and turns (and fun). Blessings to you.
    Debbie

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Too kind Debbie, thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  45. patrickprinsloo Avatar

    Lovely. I suspect it was first the then Archie.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Unless she has a good throwing arm on her.

      Like

  46. Dawn Quyle Landau Avatar

    Archie sure knows how to find trouble! Very funny story, Lain!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      He always manages to find a way! Thanks Dawn

      Liked by 1 person

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