The Chalk Outline
This little piece has made the long list in the Wilson’s Tales of the Borders competition in Berwick, UK.
The Chalk Outline
‘So, theories, Detective Constable.’
‘Hit and run, gov. By aliens.’
‘Based on what?’
‘Well, gov, the ambos said he was badly sunburnt.’
‘And the object in his hand?’
‘Sunscreen, gov.’
‘Sunscreen?’
‘Yes, gov. Clearly these were aliens originating from the
Sun. He’s legged it, hoping the sunscreen would save him.’
‘The Sun?’
‘Well, stands to reason, gov. If it was the Moon he wouldn’t
have panicked and run into the road.’
‘So, not a drunk in the middle of the road, whiskey bottle in
hand, flattened by a passing truck?’
‘No, gov. That’s what the aliens want us to believe.’


Clearly you are on a roll, Doug...regardless of what the aliens want us to think...
Masterful use of dialogue to tell a fun story.