Death After
Dinner
by Jerry Guarino
Tony and his wife Heather
drove up to the border from Washington State to
Canada, getting into the shortest line. This
customs delay was usually less than an hour, only
a minor inconvenience, but worth it for a weekend
in this pristine country, far from the crazy
political climate in the United States. Vancouver
was clean, with friendly people and virtually no
crime. At least none they had ever seen before.
As they crossed the barren
plains toward the city, sunlight bathed the
skyline and mountains, like silver slices of
heaven coming to Earth. Snow covered the top half
of the glistening mountains. As they got closer,
they saw the Burrard Inlet, surrounding this
peninsula, water as blue as the Caribbean, but so
much colder. Tony was so happy to be here.
“I can’t believe
this is only a few hours from our home. Look at
all the natural beauty.”
“I can’t believe
you haven’t stopped at Tim Horton’s
for a donut yet.”
“There’s one near
our hotel sweetheart. You know it’s one of
my favorites.”
After a tiring day of
sightseeing; Stanley Park, the Granville Island
Market and Gastown. Tony and Heather went back to
the hotel to freshen up before going out to
dinner. A hot tub in their room made for a
restful pause before going out.
“Tony, let’s not
stay out too late. I’d like to get a good
night sleep before tomorrow.”
“Yes dear. We did too
much today. But I made a reservation at a great
Italian restaurant.”
“Perfect.”
***
“What a wonderful meal
Tony. It reminded me of our trip to Italy.”
“Yes, sweetheart. Even
the ambiance was perfect.”
Heather put her arm around
Tony. “I’m bushed. Let’s head back
to the hotel.”
“Just one more to do,
dear.” Tony led his wife towards a Tim
Horton’s donut shop.
“Tony, you’re
incorrigible. After that elegant dinner?”
Tony took her hand as they
walked into the back entrance to the famous
Canadian donut shop.”
“Well, I guess I can
get a coffee.”
Tony held the door and
Heather walked in. It was quiet. Maybe the store
was closing. Then, suddenly, gun shots shocked
the couple into fear. They dove under one of the
tables and held each other. Tony whispered to his
wife.
“I love you Heather.”
“Is this how it ends
Tony?”
More gunshots and the chaos
of hostages being threatened. The couple could
see the police positioning outside the front
window.
“Put down your weapons
and come out. You’re surrounded.”
“Move back or we shoot
a hostage,” said the gunman.
The police threw a tear gas
canister into the store as everyone scrambled.
Tony and Heather were trapped.
“Cut. That’s a
take. Well done everyone. That was perfect.”
Heather realized that this
was a movie scene. The tear gas was fake and the
bad guys were high fiving with the hostages. A
producer came over to Tony and Heather.
“Are you two all right?
How did you get in here?”
“We just came in for a
donut, through the back door.”
The director came over.
“That was great. Would you mind signing a
release? Your reactions really added to the scene.
We could compensate you at union rates.”
Tony and Heather smiled.
“This was an experience. How about a dozen
donuts and coffee?”
Tony and Heather walked
back to their hotel. Tony put Heather’s hand
on his chest.
“My heart is still
racing. All I want to do is get into the hot tub
to calm down and then get to sleep.”
Heather had other thoughts.
“I’m too excited Tony. I have a better
idea.” She whispered something into his ear.
***
It turned out that a near
death experience was a real turn on for Heather.
“O, Canada!”
Death
After Dinner by Jerry Guarino
Copyright October, 2019 – All Rights
Reserved
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