The Gumshoe – Pictures of Indecency
Another day on the job, another long wait
Hands deep in the worn pockets of an overcoat
Collar turned up, fedora pulled down
Stereotypical gumshoe parked under a cast iron lamppost
Sturdy shoes and a cigarette, the coup de grace
Manning this chosen post, in the open but almost invisible
This vantage point has value; he’s used it before
Two blocks, four directions, clear to the fire escapes and alleyway
All the bases are covered, hopefully, as the time draws near
Tonight’s the night for spotting indecency
Hours pass, cars pass, people pass, but no one bothers to see
Perhaps it’s the cold, or that no one really cares that he stands there
Eyes always scanning, gathering pictures of moments in time
Thin wisps of cigarette smoke curl around his hat brim
A momentary distraction from the theater of the mundane
Then movement down the block, third floor, second balcony
She steps out into the cold, underdressed in her neglige
This is the dame he’s coming for; who she is doesn’t matter
Not his wife, no, not anyone’s wife; just a cheap home wrecker
At least that’s what his actual wife has said
She’s searching for something; her eyes fixated on the windows
Passing cars, the black sedan, delivery truck, the station wagon
What she’s after, isn’t taking notice, her face roiled in confusion
Finally the cold takes its toll; back inside with a final glance
But not before his camera paid her a quick visit
Caught between perplexed and amused, he continues the vigil
The last hour of daylight slipping away; shadows sliding down the avenue
Only to be interrupted time and time again as the cars pass through
A no show…how’s that for a finishing touch on a lousy cold day
He’s got nothing to show but a few shots of the balcony girl
Dark suit, dark hat, loud shoes that tap every time he’s takes a step
Walking rapidly, close to the building, his mark, late but finally arriving
Inconspicuous, or so he tries to be, as he slips a key in the front door
Mental note, and another visit from his camera; time to go
Quick steps around the corner and inside the service entrance
The heaviness of the dented steel door slows his rapid pace
Feet flying as he ascends the rusted steel stairs
The camera sits awaiting his orders, just aim and shoot
Bedroom eyes have already shifted the narrative
Twenty minutes of stills, and the job is nearly done
Smoking and resting, the final photograph and then load the cases
His camera bag filled while another longer bag gets empty
Previously adjusted tripod to the proper height and angle
The Mosin Nagant 91/30; each part honed to exacting specifications
He sights in, breathes, and squeezes the trigger…..twice
Gotta love an unexpected ending……
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A nicely evocative tale Ralph, the PD and their midnight stake outs. Great work my friend.
I feel like I’ve entered a timezone here, the ribbons of movie tape turning on the projector, black and white, I’m sitting with a bag of popcorn, in between biting my finger nails, waiting for the next corner to be turned with suspense. Crime scenes, bright eye burning flash bulbs flashing in the room or street. Yes those were the days, as a teen, I sat mesmerized by the gumshoe and his antics. Pen and pad in hand scratching notes, his fedora tipped back, his fingers on his chin. The Cagney, Robinson, Bogart, Powell, Ladd and so many other great crime busters were there for our entertainment, back in the day of black and white t.v. Dragnet another later addition, the background music, gave me nightmares, dum, da dum, dum, there a a 1000 naked lives in this city;-)) But Cagney and Bogart were my two favorites of all time. Oh and yes there was always a sexy babe in the plot, what would we do without em, I mean come on, sexy long legged, high heeled, perky breasts, long silken hair and that coy look that would melt and iceberg. Oh yes, those were the days, they don’t make em like that any more Ralph, you nailed it, I felt it all flowing back in your pen. You led me through a kaleidoscope of suspense and I loved it all. Great work my friend.
RJ you could not have written a more enjoyable piece than this to me. I am a film noir buff and a Bogart fan. This was awesome my friend.
I love the gumshoe detective story and this had me engrossed, Ralph. Great ending too.
Whoa! The rifle was really unexpected. Very tense and kept me glued to each word. Well done, Ralph.