BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Welcome to What Pegman Saw, a 150-word weekly writing prompt inspired by the photos found on Google Maps. Yep, that’s really a picture of Manhattan.  Inwood Park, at the very tip of the island, is one of the few places on the island that looks as it did three hundred years ago.

by John Yeo

Gerald stood at the top of the hill transfixed and just stood drinking in the absolute beauty that seemed to reach out and draw him on. Georgina breathlessly caught up, then gasped with surprised wonder.

Suddenly there was a chuckle as a rough looking stranger emerged from the depths of a nearby copse. A middle-aged, rather overweight, bearded man stood before them, he had long greasy black hair, with grey streaks, held in position with a battered trilby hat. His bushy black eyebrows met in the middle, atop a large crooked nose. He suddenly opened his mouth to reveal a blackened set of uneven, crooked, gap-filled teeth.

‘I see both of you young people are overwhelmed with this place. I’m Captain Ted, a hungry man and I’ll thank you to turn out your pockets and give me everything you find in them. Oh! And I’ll take that smartphone you’re clutching’

(150 WORDS)

© Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (15)

“A body suddenly crashed through a plate glass window at the Brigadiers house.”
This cryptic message arrived as the raid on “The Jumping Frog” commenced. The team were waiting for a signal from the Brigadier via Marg, when news came that his deputy Colonel Tom, would take command. Tossing grenades to create a diversion, the attack began. Dickus was located in a penthouse and detained, six guards were slaughtered as Bella’s squad attacked.
Marg cuffed Dickus and left the building with Bella, boarding a helicopter piloted by Colonel Tom. Dickus was chained in a warehouse and left in the care of Bella.
Colonel Tom and Marg urgently flew to the Brigadiers house, there had been a raid by Police Commandos using ropes to smash their way in through the windows.
They located the Brigadier and whisked him off in the helicopter to safety.
Then came devastating news, Dickus had escaped, killing Bella and the guards.
A message painted on the wall in blood…………..

(150 words)

Copyright © Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (49)

MY FINAL RESPONSE to Monday’s Finish the Story 10/01/2016, which was a challenge that provided a photo prompt and the opening sentence to your story. The rules indicated that the story you came up with must be between 100-150 words, not including the given opening sentence.

This is a sad memorial post to the late founder of Monday’s “Finish the Story” ~ Barbara “Babs” Beacham, who is sadly missed by many writers.

The link below takes you to Part Forty-Eight

MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (48)

Image from the Net

 

Finish the story begins with:   “Life in The Foothills has Passed Away”

  Marg and Sam went their separate ways. Sam with Delphine travelled to the  Brigadier’s office to wait for final instructions for the assault on the factory. Marg returned to meet Hillary to discover that her very great friend and mentor Barb, had suddenly passed away. Marg was devastated at this terrible blow, Barb had been an ongoing inspiration and guide throughout her adventures. Marg resolved to leave the organisation and disappear for a while, and was soon on the way to finalise a deal to buy a luxury yacht from a dealer based in Poole, Dorset in the UK. Marg contacted the Brigadier and informed him of her decision, he intimated that he had heard her sad news, and was expecting this, he handed her an envelope containing a very large cheque. Hillary would continue to run the detective agency, and would be in close contact with her friend and business partner. Marg planned to be transported to follow the sun, aboard her luxury yacht, sailing the seas to some very exotic islands around the world, using the considerable fortune she had accumulated during her adventures. The only ties to her late adventures, would be Angelo with Maria, his lady friend, and Bella with her husband Luigi, who would all become trusted members of her crew The brand new yacht would be officially launched and named the ‘MV Mysterious Island.’

(230 WORDS)

(To be Continued ???)

Copyright © Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved.

RIP BABS

 

 

MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (48)

I am taking part in Mondays Finish the Story 01/11/2015, which is a challenge that provides a photo prompt and the opening sentence to your story. The rules indicate that the story you come up with must be between 100-150 words, not including the given opening sentence.

The link below takes you to Part Forty-Seven

MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (47)

© 2015, Barbara W. Beacham

Finish the story begins with:

  “She lived a life that some would describe as being on edge.”
This precipice was such a rewarding place to balance Marg’s life. The sharp edge of some uncomfortable moments was cushioned by the rewards. The adrenaline of the excitement blended so well with the well hidden, well invested funds she had accumulated.
Sam had contacted Marg and they were to meet up with Delphine in London. Sam had produced two counterfeit U.S. five cent coins, that were allegedly minted at a factory in South Kensington. Dr Dickus and his henchmen planned to produce vast amounts of currency to flood the money markets and create worldwide instability. The coins were an exquisite clue to the larger denominations that were in production.
The information extracted from the prisoner in Alaska, led the team to a rundown, neglected industrial site. The plan was to swiftly destroy the counterfeiters, heavily guarded factory and hit Dickus where it would hurt him most. Marg and Sam with ……

To be continued.

(150 WORDS)

Copyright (c) Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

The link below takes you to Part Forty-Seven

MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (47)

https://mondaysfinishthestory.wordpress.com

MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (47)

MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (46)

I am taking part in Mondays Finish the Story 19/10/2015, which is a challenge that provides a photo prompt and the opening sentence to your story. The rules indicate that the story you come up with must be between 100-150 words, not including the given opening sentence.

The link below takes you to Part Forty-Five
https://johnandmargaret1607.wordpress.com/2015/10/14/mysterious-island-45/

© 2015, Barbara W. Beacham

Finish the story begins with:

“Not knowing what to expect, he made his way into the dark of the forest.”

Something’s not quite right here!’ He thought, ‘I get the distinct impression that someone is very close by watching me.’
Angelo had been to visit Isabella, and taken tea at her house in the Mango tree. As he stumbled along the forest path, the branches of the bushes and trees seemed to be reaching out to him, tearing his clothes, scratching his face, he could hear the sounds of vicious dogs close behind him, they seemed to be getting closer all the time. He climbed a large tree to hide and take refuge. Then there were gunshots, very close by his hiding place, followed by the sound of a pack of hounds, tearing and fighting over the flesh of a downed animal. Luigi was quenching his bloodlust by hunting helpless animals, and revelling in watching them get torn to pieces by his trained hounds.
Marg and Hillary were in London……..

(150 WORDS)

To be continued…..

Copyright (c) Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved.

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MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (45)

I am taking part in Mondays Finish the Story 12/10/2015, which is a challenge that provides a photo prompt and the opening sentence to your story. The rules indicate that the story you come up with must be between 100-150 words, not including the given opening sentence.

The link below takes you to Part Forty-Four

MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (44)

© 2015, Barbara W. Beacham

Finish the story begins with:

“Now this is living the life of Riley.”

Hillary was at home with the children, when the news came through.

“Hey! Look at that cat Mummy!”

“Yes, she knows how to live.” said Hillary, absent-mindedly.

Marg hadn’t been in contact for three weeks now.
Since the attempted break-in by the so-called Brazilian diplomats Hillary had given orders to move the office. Now this strange message, forwarded from the old office.

“Margo, we will get our revenge, you are a marked woman.”

Hillary was worried, she tried to contact the Brigadier, leaving a message with his secretary.

“Mummy the cat looks comfortable.” said Katy.

Yes, one day my partner will relax like that!”

“What Mummy?”

“Oh! Sorry darling.”

Meanwhile Marg was still missing, incommunicado.

There was knock at the front door, and there stood Marg with a smile on her face.
Hillary in her shocked exuberance tripped over the cat who squealed and ran for cover.

Copyright (c) Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved.

(150 WORDS)

The link below takes you to Part Forty-Four

MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (44)

https://mondaysfinishthestory.wordpress.com/

Copyright Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (44)

I am taking part in Mondays Finish the Story 05/10/2015, which is a challenge that provides a photo prompt and the opening sentence to your story. The rules indicate that the story you come up with must be between 100-150 words, not including the given opening sentence.

The link below takes you to Part Forty-Three

MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (43)

© 2015, Barbara W. Beacham

Finish the story begins with:

“Few knew about the castle hidden inside the island.”
    When this Island, complete with the built in fortress came on the market, few people were in the know. The sale was made discreetly and the well-respected estate agent was sworn to secrecy.
  Lawyers handled the sale and they did extraordinarily well out of the deal.
It was a terrible shock to everyone to learn that this high level of security had been breached and the island was no longer habitable due to several well-placed explosive devices.
   Marg had supervised the raid. Delphine had piloted a hired aircraft and they were on the way back to the Brigadier’s, Mysterious Island.
    Luigi was on his Brazilian estate when the news reached him of the destruction of his new purchase in the North. He ordered an immediate investigation. A squad of well trained operatives were instantly despatched to interview everyone who had been involved in the purchase.
  Then poor Marg……

(150 WORDS)

Copyright Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (43)

I am taking part in Mondays Finish the Story 28/09/2015, which is a challenge that provides a photo prompt and the opening sentence to your story. The rules indicate that the story you come up with must be between 100-150 words, not including the given opening sentence.

The link below takes you to Part Forty-Two

MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (42)

© 2015, Barbara W. Beacham

Finish the story begins with:

“The A&B Building was made entirely from driftwood.”
“Can you believe that?” Delphine laughed pointing to the facade. “Just chunks of washed-up wood!”
“Hey, look at that date! 1899, I must get a shot of the front, to e-mail home.”
Angelo and Delphine were meeting a local businessman in front of this historic building to hire a helicopter and ask for help with local information.
After several attacks on members of the Brigadiers organisation, Angelo and Delphine were ordered to Skagway in Alaska.
A tipoff from Brazil revealed that Dr Dickus had returned to this part of the world and was in the process of recruiting mercenaries to attack the Brigadier’s fortress on the Mysterious Island and attempt to recover the lost bullion.
Luigi was building another military-style force in Brazil, little realising he was was under observation.
Marg was called by Don Fernando. “Please, I need to see you urgently, Bella needs your help!” ……..

(150 WORDS)

Copyright © Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

The link below takes you to Part Forty-Two

https://johnandmargaret1607.wordpress.com/2015/09/22/mysterious-island-42/

https://mondaysfinishthestory.wordpress.com/

Copyright © Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (42)

I am taking part in Mondays Finish the Story 21/09/2015, which is a challenge that provides a photo prompt and the opening sentence to your story. The rules indicate that the story you come up with must be between 100-150 words, not including the given opening sentence.

The link below takes you to Part Forty-One

MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (41)

© 2015, Barbara W. Beacham

Finish the story begins with:

“She lived in a mango tree.”
As Mango trees go, this was a very fruitful place to live. The Brazilian Mango is very profitable and this huge fruit farm was now under new ownership
Isabella’s husband built this tree-house after losing his land to the mysterious Luigi. He was cheated and frightened by threats and blackmail following a losing streak at poker.
Marg was shocked to receive Hillary’s message, two men claiming to be top Brazilian diplomats in Britain, were arrested attempting to plant an explosive device in Marg’s London office, they were released, after claiming diplomatic immunity.
The Brigadier angrily linked this to various threats received by other key personnel in the organisation. Don Fernando had several leads and Angelo with Delphine were on the trail of Luigi, it was thought he had temporarily left Brazil.
Marg received fruitful information via Angelo from Isabella the lady who lived in a Mango tree……..

(147 WORDS)

Copyright (c) Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved.

The link below takes you to Part Forty-One

MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (41)

https://mondaysfinishthestory.wordpress.com/

Copyright © Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved