Siege

SEIGE Rifle fire. Breaking glass. The hotel screams. Heart thumping against my ribs and chest, I note the shooting direction. Cops taught me that, last time. Or was it the one before? I’m up to number four. My best friend , ashen- faced, rushes towards the main entrance . No, wait, Danny, wait! But he flees, risking a fusillade of bullets. I take a chance on the side door. Rip off my red Tee Shirt. Bright colours attract attention. Scale a wall, that was close. Blood drips from my hand. Superficial scratch, not worth a mention. Running barefoot, I zig-zag, along the beach. It’s dense with smoke. Zing of gunfire, acrid air. I gasp for breath. A rat on the run, I grab likely shelter, a drain. Shouts, shots, boots running past. It’s cramped , damp and mouldy. One hour? Two? Who knew. The stutter of gunfire and sirens fade into the slosh of waves, the cry of a gull. Trembling, I slither to the entrance. Fumble for the phone. Dial my best buddy. Danny doesn’t pick up.