“This is the third time that the killer has struck on this beach in as many weeks,” remarked Inspector Lestrade.
“Killers,” replied Sherlock Holmes in his usual dead-pan style, “There are prints of four different pairs of boots coming out of the water, and then going back. Finding a boat that was out last night with four people should not be too difficult even for you.”
Taking off his boots in the small cove near them, the octopus listened to this conversation and smiled grimly, as he plotted the death of the next hunter involved in his son’s murder.
************************************************************************************
99 words.
Written as a part of the Carrot Ranch Literary Community Flash Fiction Challenge.
January 18, 2018, Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes boots. Whose boots are they, where do they go and what is their significance? Go where the prompt leads.
Respond by January 23, 2018, to be included in the compilation (published January 24). Rules are here.
Note: Inspired by James of poweredbyrobots.com fame, I’ve decided to add a small tidbit of interesting information that I found about the hero/villain of this story: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2017-08-17-the-morality-of-octopus-hunting-in-false-bay/#.WmVfGKiWbIU
jagahdilmein 
Holmes grimaced. “There’s something strange about these prints.”
Indeed he did. I wanted to detail out his reaction, but 99 words is 99 words 🙂
OK – I like this – still looking for ‘Boots’ 🙂
Thank you so much Jules.
Great way to blend the logic of Holmes with fantastic possibility.
Thank you so much Charli.
Pingback: Walking Boots « Carrot Ranch Literary Community
This was a fun flash and I hope the vengeance-seeking octupus doesn’t devour Mr. Holmes!
That depends upon Mr. Holmes, doesn’t it? 🙂
Methinks there’s danger afoot! 😀
Yes, but only for those who come between him and his revenge.
Ohhh, the plot thinkers. Well done. ❤️
Lol, so nicely done.
Thank you so much Michael