Mr McIntosh.

Don’t you find Mr McIntosh a bit strange.

No, I find him very pleasant, but more than that, he pays his lodgings three months in advance, that makes him great in my book.

Does it never bother you when he disappears for weeks on end.

No.

Well, I've been studying Mr McIntosh, a sort of Thesis you could say, it really is fascinating reading.

Is this part of your degree, will it get you an A, will it get you a job.

I think it will be different from the other students body of work.

So, enlighten me.

Well, do you notice that when Mr McIntosh arrives back from wherever he’s been, he’s relaxed, drinks, sort of winds down.

We all do that after work.

Ah, but then that changes after he gets a phone call, he then goes back into training. I’ve seen him running along the beech.

So he likes to keep fit, so what.

That’s not all he does down the beech.

Tell me he meets a woman.

No, he draws.

What do you mean he draws?

He sketches out assault plans, then I imagine he fulfils those plans.

My God, you sure have one vivid imagination.

Don’t you think it strange a man of his breeding would stay here.

I’ll have you know these so-called lodgings as you put it are better than some hotels.

I know that mum, but it all adds to the mystery don’t you think.

Well, short of following Mr McIntosh around, you just be careful he doesn’t sue you for an over developed imagination.

Oh, I’ve already followed Mr McIntosh, it turned out to be very successful.

What do you mean?

He caught me.

Well, that A has suddenly gone down to a D. Inspector Clouseau.

On the contrary, that tells me he’s alert to danger as one would be in his field.

You sure you don’t have a crush on Mr McIntosh.

Well, he is taking me out to dinner tonight.

I knew it, you’d get an A in subterfuge little madam.

Mummy, stop using big words.

Next day.

So, where did Mr McIntosh take you to dinner, some well-bred restaurant was it.

I suppose it was in a way, it was on board a submarine.

Are you being serious?

Yes mum, now I need to tell you something official.

I knew it, when are the police due.

It’s nothing like that, though in saying that, a cleaning company will be coming shortly to clean Mr McIntosh’s room.

I think I’m capable of cleaning a room.

This is a different kind of cleaning, and you’ll have to sign the official secrets act when they leave.

Why can’t you just be a normal teenager, and where is Mr McIntosh.

I think I better explain what happened when Mr McIntosh caught me following him.

He blackmailed you, didn’t he.

No, he took me down to the beech and sketched a plan he was working on.

Is this plan dangerous.

The only thing I can tell you, there was a flaw in the plan.

And naturally you being a smart a*s you pointed this out to him.

No, I think it was his way of saying goodbye.

So, what happens now.

Well, after the cleaners have finished, they’ll give me an envelope which I will deliver to somewhere in London, you’ll sign the official secrets act, get a thank you for being a patriot, and I’m told you’ll also be recompensed.(That’s a big cheque to you, mum.)

Notice you’re still bloody cheeky.

That’s why you love me mum

Where does this leave your Thesis, assuming you’ll be signing the official secret acts too

In the bin, mum, though in saying that, Mr McIntosh did tell me I would be trained to follow people without being caught.

Reviews

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Wow
You should write mystery novels
Loving this one

[Paul Bell]

Once I grow up. lol

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

Ha ha
That’s how I feel too

[Fran Marie]

Mr McIntosh is a strange
Lodger indeed with his
mysterious and odd
behavior,

this tale is filled with
suspense of espionage
within a sinister plan
then he disappears
undercover or underwater
as the case may be
re: the Sub..

at least
Mum s daughter may
follow in McIntosh s
footsteps in and about
foggy Londen town..
and mum is happy with
the check.alls well
that ends well..

nice mystery write
.

[Paul Bell]

Big cheque, gets rid of the daughter, it's like a win, win.

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Is Mr. McIntosh really 007 Paul? This story kept me wondering and trying to discover clues. Great dialogue style between mother and child- parents always the 'Doubting Thomases' who've lost their imaginations along the way. Several scenario transitions which leave the mind wondering. Ending dramatic and still concludes in mystery-leaving the reader to figure it out. Thoroughly enjoyed this!

[Paul Bell]

I know, you would think mummy would be happy getting a big cheque. In saying that, the daughter probably needed a new wardrobe for her new job.

[barleygirl]

Definitely a favorite of all your stories! I love this one best becuz it's longer & you slow down a bit, taking your time to meander thru the storyline. This slower pace brings out the moments when your story changes directions from whatever the reader might've been expecting to happen. You always tell a story with twists & turns that are so unpredictable & this is no slouch in that department. I have the utmost regard for the way you twinkle-toes way outside the dots when you tell a story! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Paul Bell]

I've just realised, Margie, I've never done a Haiku, have you done a Hakiu. Must be something we can say in three lines. lol

[barleygirl]

I used to do
3-line haiku
but now I need a slew
to make do . . .

[Paul Bell]

I made a stew.
Threw in a few.
Should be ready at two.
I'm a Haikurist.

[barleygirl]

UR killen me!!!!!!!!!!!

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

Loved the story totally. Being nosy can be so rewarding sometimes. A hefty paycheck and a hot date with a 007-like Mr McIntosh! I'm learning so much here! No thesis needed and she can start her own little spying company soon. A really cool story Paul!! 😸👌

[Paul Bell]

That girl will go far, well she'll go far following people around. Small steps they say. lol

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

That's wisdom at an early age. She found her vocation lol.

[Patricia]

This is fascinating and the reader can just enjoy the write at face value or see perhaps the current events in it. Either way this was a great read and I enjoyed it

[Paul Bell]

Yes, I think this year is just continuing in the same vein as the last.

[Betty Hermelee]

I think the mother and son are being duped into some kind of espionage, or secret agent, mother may be a bit naive, bu... son has followed him and know what's going on...and somewhere there is a flaw in this fellow's plan... the submarine is part of the "plan"but that remains a mystery to me. Good story/poem
very imaginative.
Best, Betty

[Paul Bell]

Where did Mr McIntosh go, I wonder.

[Betty Hermelee]

I thought he went to London but..... maybe not.....

[Paul Bell]

No, he sent her to London.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

sounds like one of the people who assaulted the Capitol...
to be followed and not be caught...perhaps he is one who got away....
and the speaker of the poem follows him physically but also in thought.
This shows a way that some can stray with the wrong influence...and how the parent can't quite grasp why or understand what to do to save the one straying.
I know, I am probably way off base...but that is where this very interesting write took me.
Excellent mystery.
j.

[Paul Bell]

I can see the parallel, Jacob. A lot of covert activity happening no doubt before Biden gets sworn in. The world is looking on with bated breath.