‘You got any reels?’
‘Nope.’
‘Any lures?’
‘Nope.’
‘Lines?’
‘None a’them either.’
‘Okay, bait?’
‘Live or dead?’
‘Live.’
‘Nope.’
‘Dead?’
‘Not that either.’
‘Okay, what about boat equipment?’
‘What like?’
‘A boat hook?’
‘Nope.’
‘Cleat hooks?’
‘Nope.’
‘Rope?’
”Fraid not.’
‘Do you have anything for a fishing trip?’
‘I got fresh fish.’
‘How does fresh fish help?’
‘You buy the fish. Take ’em home. Tell your folks you spent all day catchin’ ’em. Meanwhiles, you gotta whole day to do whatever you want.’
‘And what am I meant to spend my day doing?’
‘Well now, that I can help you with. Care to step through the back, sir?’

Written for Friday Fictioneers 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.
84 responses to “DOWN ISLAND TRADERS”
Dear Iain,
Love the dialogue with a strategic “Nope” tossed in here and there. I’ve a hunch that going through that back door isn’t a good idea. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I guess it depends on what you think is ‘good’. I’ve heard some men can have ‘loose morals’! 😉
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Very interesting story.
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Thanks Sadje
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You’re welcome Iain
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Delightful, Iain
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Yep – that was fun!
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Thank you Laura 🙂
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Now just what will he find once he goes through the doors? Hopefully not HIS turn to say NOPE!
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Whatever it is, he’s going to take the risk!
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I think the best way to answer the question in the last line would be “NOPE” 🙂 Delightful story Iain!
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Don’t you want to know what lies behind the door? Who knows? You might enjoy it!
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A business that is based on pretense would not have anything good at the back, Iain 😉
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Nope! 🤣
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Excellent, Iain, had me chuckling.
And I’ll ignore the lady commenters above and nip through the back too!
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More than welcome, make yourself at home.
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Fun dialogue, Iain. My first chuckle for the day 🙂
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Thank you, glad it raised a laugh 🙂
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lol, Nope, I wouldn’t go back there. Yep, I have a few ideas what is in the back. I’ve also heard that what happens in Vegas should stay in Vegas…
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A wise motto.
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Loved that. Almost pythonesque. 🙂
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Now that is high praise, thank you 🙂
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Ah, the false front! Good one
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Thanks
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O my word! A den of iniquity!
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It would appear so 🙂
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Oh, NO! DON’T follow him through that back door!
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I think he may be too tempted! 😉
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This is a great take Iain!
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Thank you Di.
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You’re welcome
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😀
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🙂
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Well, he did ask! Love the “Mark Twain” flow of the dialogue.
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Thank you Dora, nice compliment 🙂
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My pleasure, Iain. Such a fun story 🙂
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Very creative! A tale told right.
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Thank you
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You’re welcome.
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You had me smiling, Iain. That’s a wonderfully convoluted sales pitch for a brothel!
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But what if you weren’t a man on the prowl? Then the shop does no business 😉
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The owner must have an eye for the customers 🙂
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Thank you Penny 🙂
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Ooh, what’s happening out the back? I’m not sure whether you’d be brave or an idiot to take a look. Well done.
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Thanks Trish – remember what curiosity did to the cat?…
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what a bait and switch salesman. 🙂
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Haha! 🙂
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Ha! Hilarious! Love every single word.
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Thank you so much 🙂
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Intriguing! What awaits behind the door?? Enjoyed your dialogue too😊
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Thanks Sue 🙂
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Sounds a bit fishy to me!
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🙂
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Well laid out, Iain. The last line makes it work.
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Thanks Bill
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Its a brothel probably, love that. Inexplicably thought of the Fork Handles sketch. Good stuff
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Classic sketch 🙂
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Ha! Ha! The dialogue reminded me of a Two Ronnies shop sketch. I am sure he is in for treat at the back 😉
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Thank you
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This is wonderful. Short, smart dialogue with a zinger at the end. I kinda’ want to go through that back door.
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Thank you Alicia
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LOL. This place does not sound like any kind of a respectable establishment. I wonder how much the … fish costs?
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Definitely not respectable! 🙂
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Down Island Traders…Where you trade your innocence for what vice??
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Take your pick!! 🙂
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Whoa haha I reckon that back room could tell some stories!
Love this one. The dialogue is spot on.
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Thank you Laurie, much appreciated
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I love the mysterious ending. If it were me, I’d go back just in case he was selling mogwai.
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Who knows what you might find?
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Might find the back room a bit more fun than fishing all day. Enjoyed the dialogue, Iain!
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It will certainly be entertaining. Thanks Brenda 🙂
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Nope, haha, Love it!
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Thank you so much 🙂
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Love the conversation. Curious about the back door. A bit lost there.
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Perhaps you are too innocent Oneta! 🙂
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I can handle that.
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Hahaha! Ingenious. 🙂
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Thank you
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I wonder what was there… I can imagine all kind of things that is better than fishing
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Definitely better than fishing!
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Wonderful story. I love the energy of the dialogue.
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Thank you so much
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Planned outing! Backdoor entry is also there!
Fishy business 🙂
Great take!
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Thanks Anita 🙂
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