The Entrepreneur

The Entrepreneur

“Hey Bill. We’ve just received another complaint about a suspected drug dealer at the beach.” Bill Harrison looked up from the report he was reading.

“What’s that make it, Mike? About six this week? I guess we should go check it out.”

As they stood on the pier, they scanned the crowds of sun worshipers.

“Did you get a description,” asked Bill?

“They described her as young, beautiful, wearing a bikini, and carrying a large handbag.”

“Well, that sure narrows it down,” Bill laughed.

“Look,” said Mike. “Over there by the lifeguard stand.”

A beautiful young woman approached a couple lying in the sun. She spoke for a moment before the man nodded assent and pulled out some money. She reached into her bag and
handed him a small package.

“That solves that mystery. I think we’ve found our dealer,” said Mike.

“Now don’t go jumping to conclusions,” replied Bill. “Let me go investigate. You wait here and cover me. She may not be working alone. Keep a sharp eye out – just in case.”

Bill walked down to beach and approached the woman. Mike watched as they talked for awhile. Suddenly the woman began laughing and opened her bag to show the contents. Bill joined in the laughter before waving to her and returning to the pier.

“Well?” asked Mike.

“She’s a college kid trying to earn a few dollars over the summer,” Bill chuckled.

“What was in the bag?”

“All she had was a few shells, a sand dollar and bunch of batteries.”

“Sea shells? Batteries? How does she make money?”

"She sells C cells by the sea shore."


Notes:
An entry for the 7/1/10 round of "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge"  [13+]
Prompt: Write a story that includes the words: "beach, mystery, and sand dollar"

Word Limit: 300
Word Count: 270

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please, as long as you’re here, leave a comment. Criticisms, thoughts, reactions, yes – even words of encouragement or praise – are all equally welcome. Groans – keep to yourself!

Ken