An excerpt from “Echoes from the Past”

Available on Amazon Kindle here: https://amzn.to/2CYKxu4

…

With my attention elsewhere, I walked into a man who was hurrying in the opposite direction. He was a big man with a scar running down the left side of his face from eye socket to mouth, and who was also wearing a black shirt with a red tie.

That was all I remembered as my heart almost stopped.

He apologized as he stepped to one side, the same way I stepped, as I also muttered an apology.

I kept my eyes down. He was not the sort of man I wanted to recognize later in a lineup. I stepped to the other side and so did he. It was one of those situations. Finally getting out of sync, he kept going in his direction, and I towards the bus, which was now pulling away from the curb.

Getting my breath back, I just stood riveted to the spot watching it join the traffic. I looked back over my shoulder, but the man I’d run into had gone. I shrugged and looked at my watch. It would be a few minutes before the next bus arrived.

Wait, or walk? I could also go by subway, but it was a long walk to the station. What the hell, I needed the exercise.

At the first intersection, the ‘Walk’ sign had just flashed to ‘Don’t Walk’. I thought I’d save a few minutes by not waiting for the next green light. As I stepped onto the road, I heard the screeching of tires.

A yellow car stopped inches from me.

It was a high powered sports car, perhaps a Lamborghini. I knew what they looked like because Marcus Bartleby owned one, as did every other junior executive in the city with a rich father.

Everyone stopped to look at me, then the car. It was that sort of car. I could see the driver through the windscreen shaking his fist, and I could see he was yelling too, but I couldn’t hear him. I stepped back onto the sidewalk, and he drove on. The moment had passed and everyone went back to their business.

My heart rate hadn’t come down from the last encounter. Now it was approaching cardiac arrest, so I took a few minutes and several sets of lights to regain composure.

At the next intersection, I waited for the green light, and then a few seconds more, just to be sure. I was no longer in a hurry.

At the next, I heard what sounded like a gunshot. A few people looked around, worried expressions on their faces, but when it happened again, I saw it was an old car backfiring. I also saw another yellow car, much the same as the one before, stopped on the side of the road. I thought nothing of it, other than it was the second yellow car I’d seen.

At the next intersection, I realized I was subconsciously heading towards Harry’s new bar. It was somewhere on 6^th Avenue, so I continued walking in what I thought was the right direction.

I don’t know why I looked behind me at the next intersection, but I did. There was another yellow car on the side of the road, not far from me. It, too, looked the same as the original Lamborghini, and I was starting to think it was not a coincidence.

Moments after crossing the road, I heard the roar of a sports car engine and saw the yellow car accelerate past me. As it passed by, I saw there were two people in it, and the blurry image of the passenger; a large man with a red tie.

Now my imagination was playing tricks.

It could not be the same man. He was going in a different direction.

In the few minutes I’d been standing on the pavement, it had started to snow; early for this time of year, and marking the start of what could be a long cold winter. I shuddered, and it was not necessarily because of the temperature.

I looked up and saw a neon light advertising a bar, coincidentally the one Harry had ‘found’ and, looking once in the direction of the departing yellow car, I decided to go in. I would have a few drinks and then leave by the back door if it had one.

Just in case.

newechocover5rs

The cinema of my dreams – I always wanted to see the planets – Episode 15

Does the captain have a plan?

…

I saw the alien visitor tilt his head, as if someone had just whispered in his ear, if he had an ear that is, and then made a guttural sound.

Seconds later a beam appeared, and he or she, was gone.

“What just happened?” It was out before I could stop myself.

“I suspect he just beamed off our ship to his.”

The captain pushed a button on his desk communicator, and barked, “where is that foreign ship?”

The voice of the second officer came back, “just reappeared, then disappeared again, like it isn’t there, or we just can’t detect its presence.”

“This is like an old scifi show, sir. They have what I think was called cloaking.” It would be awesome if they did, but more awesome if we had it too.

Then another beam appeared, where the captain was sitting, and then he was gone too.

OK, now we were in trouble.

I ran to the desk and pushed that same button to get the attention of the bridge.

“That ship reappear?”

The second officer was quick to reply. “Yes.”

“And I take it, it has gone again?”

“Yes. What just happened?”

“Do a crew count, now. I’ll wait.”

In those next few moments a great many thoughts passed through my mind, not the least if which centred on one of our crew, there mostly to keep an eye on some of our systems.

The more obvious, that without the captain, I had just got a field promotion, one I was neither looking for, or had the experience or training to fulfil. I had been hoping over the next ten years to get both the trains and the experience.

After the seconds report my first action would be to call space command.

The second officers voice came back, “both the captain and Lieutenant Myers are both not aboard sir.”

I was expecting the obvious question but it didn’t come.

Lieutenant Myers was a nuclear scientist. The alien had been keeping us amused while his men captured the Lieutenant. And he was not chasing the pirates, he was the chief pirate.

Damn.

“Can we trace that ship?”

“I’ve got people working on it, but it seems so. It’s leaving a trail we can pick up on our sensors.”

“Good, get after it, and that’s an order.”

A minute later I could feel the gentle tug as we accelerated.

I pushed the button to get the second officer.

“Sir?”

“You have the bridge. Let me know our progress in about 15 minutes. I have a call to make.”

…

A photograph from the inspirational bin – 34

This is the moon, unexpectedly observable in the late afternoon.

For me, the moon provided inspiration for an episodic story I have entitled, for now, ‘I always wanted to see the planets’.

It’s about a freighter captain who gets a gig as First Officer on an exploratory starship, who by a series of inexplicable events gets promoted to captain, and has to navigate not only the outer reaches of space, but new species.

But in the back of my mind there is that expression ‘shoot for the moon’, which could mean almost anything.

It could mean going for the unobtainable, whether it be a job, or the partner of your dreams. Failing can be heartbreak. Success might mean you’d be ‘over the moon’.

Them there’s travelling to moon, perhaps the next logical step for regular people, heading off the spend a week on a moon base hotel. I’m not sure what we would see out there in space; Perhaps a UFO?

Fictionalised, a moon base might just be the meeting place for various species, and being the mystery writer I am, what if there was a murder?

As always, the possibilities are endless.

The cinema of my dreams – Was it just another surveillance job – Episode 53

This story is now on the list to be finished so over the new few weeks, expect a new episode every few days.

The reason why new episodes have been sporadic, there are also other stories to write, and I’m not very good at prioritizing.

But, here we are, a few minutes opened up and it didn’t take long to get back into the groove.

Things are about to get complicated…

I thanked the CCTV operator and left with Joanne to go back to the third floor and Monica’s office. Joanne had called her the moment we made the discovery, and she was there to make sure I made it.

It was a passing thought I leave, but I would not get past the soldier at the front door.

We waited for a few minutes in the outer office where an efficient personal assistant was typing faster than I could think.

A buzzing sound broke the steady keyboard sounds, and she said we could go in.

I could imagine another page and a half being entered in the time it took for us to get from the chairs to the door.

Inside, the office had wooden panelling, shelves lined with books, a minibar, benchtops covered in trinkets picked up in many travels, and strategically placed in a corner, four chairs and a coffee table.

Monica was sitting on one, and she motioned for us to sit in two others.

Was a fourth person expected?

If there was we were not waiting for them. As soon as I was seated, she asked, “What did you find?”

She already knew, via Joanne, but perhaps this was a test.

“There were two people at the café, or perhaps one, the intermediary that O’Connell was looking for inside, and another nearby, like out the back of the café.

“I’d been too wrapped up in surviving the aftermath of the bomb to see O’Connell head for an alley near the café. I thought it might be to check on the intermediary, but apparently, it was to meet someone else who obviously survived.”

“Anna Jacovich.”

Of course, Joanne had briefed her. No secrets among friends.

“What do we know about her?”

Joanne answered that one, “She’s a fugitive, and Interpol is looking for her, as are the local police.”

“And she’s here?”

“If she hasn’t run. A bomb nearby can do that. She has to know people are out there actively trying to kill her like they did her husband.”

“He originally created the USB?”

“It looks like it. And my guess, Dobbin was using O’Connell to act as a journalist and buy the information off her before it went to the highest bidder. If we were to throw hypotheses out there, it’s not a stretch to believe Severin and Maury, as Westcott and Salvin, supposedly ex-department, were charged to get inside the lab and investigate the data breach, found out who it was, followed them here, and then set up an off-book surveillance group to watch the players culminating in the botched operation I was just on. Severin wasn’t working for Dobbin but someone else, which means someone else in this department has an active interest in the breach, and who was running his or her own operation. That wouldn’t be you would it?”

“That would be someone in a corner office. I can barely see daylight here. In other words, not high enough up in the food chain. Like you, I’m staggering around in the dark. Dobbin has a corner office.”

“Who’s in charge of matters concerning biological weapons?”

“The MOD. Not us.”

“But you have experts. You must come across credible threats from time to time, and I doubt you just hand it over.”

“We’re supposed to. There is a chain of command you know. It’s not like the movies.”

The way this operation had been running, that was exactly what I thought.

“That’s what I think I know. Still no indication O’Connell is alive, but I suspect Dobbin does know, and just not telling. Might also know where he is. Perhaps while I’m trying to find him, you go over Dobbin’s head and find out.”

“Easier said than done. You need help?”

“No. Everyone I work with has their own axe to grind, so I’m better off alone.”

“That Jan woman?”

“Especially her.”

“OK. Keep me, via Joanne, informed. If you need anything, tell Joanne.”

Meeting over.

…

365 Days of writing, 2026 – 47

Day 47 – Newspapers as inspiration

…

The Hobby‑Horse Moment: Why a Newspaper Is a Treasure Chest of Story Ideas

“If you spend enough time reading a newspaper, there is more than enough inspiration for a thousand stories.”

That line has been my creative mantra for years. Whenever I find myself staring at the endless columns of headlines, sports scores, and classifieds, I hear a familiar whisper: there’s a story waiting to be untangled, a character begging to step into the spotlight, a twist that could turn a mundane Tuesday into a page‑turner.

In today’s post, I’m pulling back the curtain on my “hobby‑horse” — the practice of mining everyday news for fiction gold. I’ll walk you through the mental shortcuts that turn a bungled bank robbery by the world’s worst criminal into a narrative engine you can rev up for any genre.

1. The Newspaper as a Creative Radar

What You See	What It Becomes in Fiction
Headline – “Local Bank Heist Ends in Chaos”	Hook – An unlikely thief, a mis‑fired getaway plan, a crowd of bewildered witnesses.
Quote – “I thought it was a joke,” the teller said.	Voice – Real‑time dialogue that grounds the absurdity in human reaction.
Photo – A police cruiser stuck in a fountain.	Visual Cue – A comedic set‑piece that can become the story’s turning point.
Obituary – “John Doe, lifelong prankster, dies at 79.”	Backstory – A retired mischief‑maker pulled back into the game for one last laugh.

The trick is to pause, underline, and ask “what if?” The moment you spot a quirky detail, you have a seed. Plant it in a notebook, a digital note, or a voice memo, and let it germinate.

2. My Hobby‑Horse: The “World’s Worst Criminal”

Every writer needs a go‑to archetype that sparks imagination. Mine is the lovably incompetent crook — the sort of character who thinks he’s Michael Caine in The Italian Job but ends up looking more like a clumsy cartoon character slipping on a banana peel.

Why does this work?

Built‑in Conflict – He wants success but repeatedly fails, creating tension without needing a villain.
Humour on Tap – Failure is funny, especially when the audience knows the heist was doomed from the start.
Redemptive Potential – Even the worst criminal can discover a spark of humanity (or at least a better exit strategy).

When I read a story about a bungled bank robbery, I instantly overlay this template: a petty thief named Marty “Mismash” Malone who tried to rob the First National Bank because his mother’s birthday cake needed frosting, not because he wanted the loot.

3. Turning a Real Incident into a Plot Blueprint

Let’s deconstruct a typical newspaper blurb and re‑engineer it into a fleshed‑out outline.

Original Article (fictionalised for illustration)

“A 28‑year‑old man attempted to rob the downtown branch of City Bank at 2:17 p.m. on Tuesday. He fled the scene after tripping over a decorative potted plant, causing a panic among customers. Police recovered a broken plastic gun and a half‑eaten sandwich. The suspect, identified as Carl “The Cat” Benson, is currently in custody.”

Step‑by‑Step Adaptation

Newspaper Detail	Story‑Building Question	Narrative Transformation
Age 28	What does his age say about his life stage?	A recent college graduate drowning in student debt.
Time 2:17 p.m.	Why this hour?	The bank’s lunch crowd, perfect for a chaotic distraction.
Tripping over a plant	How can a simple stumble be symbolic?	The plant—named “Lucky Fern”—represents his misguided belief in luck.
Half‑eaten sandwich	What does the sandwich reveal?	He’s too hungry to think, showing desperation.
Plastic gun	What does the prop say about his competence?	He bought it from a novelty shop, convinced “any gun looks the same.”
Nickname “The Cat”	Is the nickname ironic?	Yes—he’s terrified of actual cats, which later become a comedic obstacle.

From this table a five‑beat structure emerges:

Inciting Incident – Carl decides to rob the bank after a failed gig as a pizza delivery driver.
The Setup – He rehearses with a toy gun, practices “stealth” by sneaking past his neighbour’s cat, Mr. Whiskers.
The Disaster – He trips over the Lucky Fern, the sandwich falls, and the plastic gun squeaks.
The Chase – The cat, startled, darts through the lobby, forcing Carl to flee in a comedic, cat‑chasing ballet.
Resolution – Carl is caught, but the bank manager offers him a job in the community outreach program—because who else could handle a crowd in a crisis?

4. Practical Tips to Capture the Moment

Carry a Capture Tool – A small pocket notebook, a notes app, or even a voice recorder. The first idea is always the loudest; you don’t want it to slip away.
Set a “News‑Only” Block – Give yourself 15‑minutes each morning to skim headlines. No laptops, no social feeds—just the paper (or its digital equivalent).
Ask the “Three‑What” Test – For any odd detail, ask: What if this happened? What if a character is involved? What if the outcome changes?
Create a “Story‑Idea Index” – Tag each note with genres (comedy, thriller, noir) so you can retrieve a bank‑heist gag when you need a laugh, or a political scandal when you’re writing a drama.
Re‑Read with a Lens – After a week, revisit your notes. The distance often reveals hidden connections (e.g., the same police chief appears in two different articles, perfect for a crossover).

5. From Hobby‑Horse to Habit

The phrase “hobby‑horse” conjures an image of a favourite, perhaps slightly over‑used, subject that a writer returns to again and again. That’s not a flaw—it’s a strategic anchor. By repeatedly mining the same type of source (newspapers), you develop a mental shortcut: see a headline, think “story.” Over time, the brain begins to auto‑generate plot twists the moment you see a byline.

Pro tip: Rotate your hobby‑horse every few months. If you’ve been obsessed with bank heists, shift to “mysterious disappearances in small towns” or “quirky local elections.” The underlying method stays the same; the flavor changes, keeping your output fresh.

6. Take the Leap – Write That Bungled Heist

Here’s a quick writing exercise to get your creative muscles moving:

Find a Recent Article – Anything that involves a mishap (traffic jam, botched charity event, failed product launch).
Extract Five Odd Details – Highlight them in bright colours.
Assign Each Detail a Character Role – Who does it belong to? A hero? An antagonist? A sidekick?
Sketch a One‑Paragraph Synopsis – Use the “problem → complication → twist → resolution” framework.
Write 500 Words – Don’t worry about perfection; just let the story flow.

You’ll be amazed at how quickly a real‑world snippet becomes a fully formed narrative.

Closing Thought: The Paper Trail to Imagination

The next time you thumb through the front page, imagine the headlines as breadcrumbs leading to hidden treasure. Each misquoted mayor, each odd traffic report, each quirky human‑interest piece is a potential protagonist or conflict waiting for a writer’s touch.

Your hobby‑horse isn’t a limitation; it’s a launchpad. Embrace the bungled bank robbery, the misfiring fireworks display, the inexplicable municipal ordinance—turn them into stories that make readers laugh, gasp, or reflect.

So, grab that newspaper, spot the absurd, and let the tales unfold.

Happy hunting!

If you enjoyed this post, subscribe for more tips on turning everyday life into literary gold, and feel free to share your own newspaper‑inspired story ideas in the comments below.

If I only had one day to stop over in – Geneva – what would I do?

One Day in Geneva? Make It Unforgettable With A Single Stop: The Jet d’Eau & Lakeside Walk

You’ve just landed in Geneva for a quick 24‑hour lay‑over. Your suitcase is barely unpacked, the flight‑information board is flashing “next gate,” and you’re wondering how to squeeze the essence of Switzerland’s most diplomatic city into a single day.

The answer? Spend your precious hours at the legendary Jet d’Eau – the soaring fountain that has become the emblem of Geneva, and let the lakefront promenade turn a quick lay‑over into a memory that lasts a lifetime.

Why the Jet d’Eau is the Ultimate One‑Stop Highlight

What it is	Why it matters for a 24‑hour stopover
A 140‑metre water column shooting out of Lake Geneva every 15‑30 seconds	Instantly Instagram‑worthy – you can capture the perfect shot in under a minute.
Iconic skyline marker visible from the airport, train station, and most of the city	No need to navigate a maze of museums; the fountain is a clear, unmistakable reference point.
A hub for lakeside strolls, cafés, and photo ops	One spot, endless micro‑experiences – from a coffee on the promenade to a quick dip on a public beach.
Free and open 24/7	No tickets, no queues, no schedule conflicts with your flight.

In short, the Jet d’Eau delivers the “wow” factor, the cultural context, and the practical convenience that any traveler on a tight clock craves.

A 5‑Hour Itinerary Around the Jet d’Eau

Tip: Buy a single‑zone transport ticket (Swiss Travel Pass, Geneva Transport Card, or a €3 day pass). The whole route is walkable, but the tram will shave a few minutes off if you’re short on time.

Time	Activity	Details
00:00–00:30	From Airport to City Centre	Take the Rhônexpress (12 min, CHF 7) or the bus 36 (15 min, CHF 2). You’ll be at Gare Cornavin – Geneva’s main train station – in under 20 minutes.
00:30–01:00	Coffee & Map Grab	Slip into Café du Centre (a historic brasserie just a block from the station). Order a cappuccino and ask for a free city map – the staff will point you straight to the lakefront.
01:00–02:00	Lakefront Walk to the Jet d’Eau	Follow the signs for “Lac Léman.” The promenade is flat, stroller‑friendly, and lined with palm trees, art installations, and occasional street musicians. By the time you reach the jet, you’ve already soaked up 300 + years of Geneva’s lakeside vibe.
02:00–02:30	The Jet d’Eau Show	Position yourself on the Bains des Pâquis side for the most dramatic view. The fountain blasts up to 500 L of water per second, creating a mist that catches the sun like a prism. Snap a photo, then cross the bridge for a reverse angle (the opposite side is less crowded).
02:30–03:15	Quick Bite & People‑Watching	Walk to the nearby Bains des Pâquis (public bathhouse) for a classic Swiss “fondue à la fontaine.” If you’re not hungry, just grab a croissant from the tiny kiosk and enjoy the lake’s gentle breeze.
03:15–04:00	Mini‑Excursion: The English Garden & Flower Clock	A 5‑minute stroll west brings you to the Jardin Anglais, home to the world‑famous Flower Clock – a living tribute to Geneva’s watch‑making heritage. Snap a close‑up, then wander among the rose beds for a tranquil pause.
04:00–04:45	Cultural Flash: The Palais des Nations (UN)	If time permits, hop on tram line 15 one stop north to the United Nations Office. The exterior courtyard is free to enter; a quick self‑guided walk gives you the “global diplomacy” flavor of the city without a ticketed tour.
04:45–05:30	Return to Airport	Retrace your steps to Gare Cornavin (or the tram stop) and catch the Rhônexpress back to the airport. You’ll be at the gate with plenty of time for a final espresso.

Total time: ~5 hours (including transport buffers). This leaves you ample room for any flight‑related contingencies, a quick shower, or a brief stop at the duty‑free shops.

The Photo‑Proof: How to Capture the Jet d’Eau Like a Pro

Golden Hour (6 am–8 am or 6 pm–8 pm) – The low sun makes the water plume glow with amber hues.
Use a Fast Shutter (1/500 s+) – Freeze the water droplets for a crisp, crystal‑clear column.
Try a Low Angle – Get down on the grass at Bains des Pâquis and aim upward; the sky becomes the backdrop, emphasising height.
Nighttime Neon – After dark, the jet is lit in a soft blue, perfect for long‑exposure silhouettes of the surrounding trees.

Take one or two of these shots and you’ll have a visual story that outshines any lengthy itinerary.

What If You Have Extra Time? (Optional Add‑Ons)

Extra Stop	Travel Time from Jet d’Eau	Why It’s Worth It
Old Town (Vieille Ville)	15 min walk or 5 min tram	Cobblestone lanes, St. Pierre Cathedral, and the Maison Tavel (Switzerland’s oldest house).
Patek Philippe Museum	10 min tram	For watch enthusiasts – the definitive showcase of Swiss horology.
Carouge	12 min tram + 5 min walk	A bohemian quarter with art studios, boutiques, and a Mediterranean vibe.

Even if you can’t fit them in, keep these spots on a future itinerary. The Jet d’Eau will have already given you a compelling “first impression” of Geneva’s blend of nature, elegance, and international flair.

Quick FAQs for the One‑Day Traveller

Question	Answer
Is the Jet d’Eau ever closed?	Only for maintenance (once a year, usually in early March). Check the city’s website the day before you travel.
Do I need a swimsuit?	No, unless you plan to dip into the lake at Bains des Pâquis (public baths have separate changing areas).
Is the area safe at night?	Yes. The lakefront is well‑lit, patrolled, and frequented by locals and tourists alike.
Can I store my luggage?	Yes – the Left Luggage facility at Gare Cornavin offers hourly rates (CHF 5 per bag).

TL;DR – One Day, One Spot, Infinite Memories

If Geneva were a book, the Jet d’Eau is its cover – bold, instantly recognisable, and impossible to ignore. By centring your lay‑over around this soaring fountain, you’ll experience the city’s natural beauty, its cosmopolitan pulse, and a slice of Swiss culture—all in a compact, hassle‑free package.

So, when your next itinerary lists “Geneva – 24‑hour stopover,” remember the simple formula:

Plane → Rhônexpress → Coffee → Lakefront Walk → Jet d’Eau → Fondue → Quick UN glimpse → Back to the plane.

Press play on that moment, snap that photo, and let the mist of the Jet d’Eau linger in your memory long after the flight lands. Safe travels!

What I learned about writing – Do you use a style manual

A “manual of style and usage” is a reference guide that provides rules and guidelines for writing and editing, covering aspects like grammar, punctuation, capitalisation, spelling, and formatting, aiming for consistency and clarity.

Style guides, also known as manuals of style and usage, are essential tools for ensuring consistency and clarity in writing and design, particularly across various industries and disciplines. They provide standardised rules for grammar, punctuation, formatting, citation, and other aspects of writing, helping writers and editors maintain a consistent style and tone.

I can think of two: The Elements of Style and Style Manual for Authors, Editors, and Printers (Australia).

I have recently stumbled upon The Chicago Manual of Style, 16th Edition, which is a style guide for American English published since 1906 by the University of Chicago Press

Why are style guides important?

Consistency: Style guides ensure that all documents within a specific organisation, industry, or publication adhere to a consistent style, making them easier to read and understand.
Clarity: By following established rules, style guides help writers avoid ambiguity and ensure that their message is clear and concise.
Professionalism: Adhering to a style guide demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail, enhancing the credibility of the written work.
Standardisation: Style guides provide a framework for writing and design, making it easier for different people to work together on the same project.
Facilitating Communication: They help ensure that all content produced by an organisation or industry is consistent in its style, tone, and format, making it easier for the audience to understand the message.

Inspiration, maybe – Volume 1

50 photographs, 50 stories, of which there is one of the 50 below.

They all start with –

A picture paints … well, as many words as you like. For instance:

lookingdownfromcoronetpeak

And the story:

It was once said that a desperate man has everything to lose.

The man I was chasing was desperate, but I, on the other hand, was more desperate to catch him.

He’d left a trail of dead people from one end of the island to the other.

The team had put in a lot of effort to locate him, and now his capture was imminent. We were following the car he was in, from a discrete distance, and, at the appropriate time, we would catch up, pull him over, and make the arrest.

There was nowhere for him to go.

The road led to a dead-end, and the only way off the mountain was back down the road were now on. Which was why I was somewhat surprised when we discovered where he was.

Where was he going?

“Damn,” I heard Alan mutter. He was driving, being careful not to get too close, but not far enough away to lose sight of him.

“What?”

“I think he’s made us.”

“How?”

“Dumb bad luck, I’m guessing. Or he expected we’d follow him up the mountain. He’s just sped up.”

“How far away?”

“A half-mile. We should see him higher up when we turn the next corner.”

It took an eternity to get there, and when we did, Alan was right, only he was further on than we thought.”

“Step on it. Let’s catch him up before he gets to the top.”

Easy to say, not so easy to do. The road was treacherous, and in places just gravel, and there were no guard rails to stop a three thousand footfall down the mountainside.

Good thing then I had the foresight to have three agents on the hill for just such a scenario.

Ten minutes later, we were in sight of the car, still moving quickly, but we were going slightly faster. We’d catch up just short of the summit car park.

Or so we thought.

Coming quickly around another corner we almost slammed into the car we’d been chasing.

“What the hell…” Aland muttered.

I was out of the car, and over to see if he was in it, but I knew that it was only a slender possibility. The car was empty, and no indication where he went.

Certainly not up the road. It was relatively straightforward for the next mile, at which we would have reached the summit. Up the mountainside from here, or down.

I looked up. Nothing.

Alan yelled out, “He’s not going down, not that I can see, but if he did, there’s hardly a foothold and that’s a long fall.”

Then where did he go?

Then a man looking very much like our quarry came out from behind a rock embedded just a short distance up the hill.

“Sorry,” he said quite calmly. “Had to go if you know what I mean.”

I’d lost him.

It was as simple as that.

I had been led a merry chase up the hill, and all the time he was getting away in a different direction.

I’d fallen for the oldest trick in the book, letting my desperation blind me to the disguise that anyone else would see through in an instant.

It was a lonely sight, looking down that road, knowing that I had to go all that way down again, only this time, without having to throw caution to the wind.

“Maybe next time,” Alan said.

“We’ll get him. It’s just a matter of time.”

Find this and other stories in “Inspiration, maybe” available soon.

InspirationMaybe1v1

If I only had one day to stop over in – Lucerne – what would I do?

One Day in Lucerne? Make It Unforgettable with a Visit to the Chapel Bridge & Water Tower

If you’ve ever found yourself with a 24‑hour layover in a Swiss city, you know the clock is ticking, the luggage is heavy, and the desire to soak up something truly Swiss is overwhelming. In Lucerne—nestled on the shores of Lake Luzern and framed by the jagged peaks of the Alps—there’s a single landmark that encapsulates the town’s charm, history, and postcard‑perfect beauty all at once: the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) and its adjoining Water Tower.

What makes this modest wooden structure the must‑see for a one‑day stopover? In the next few paragraphs, I’ll walk you through why the Chapel Bridge deserves the top spot on your Lucerne itinerary, how to experience it like a local, and a few practical tips to squeeze the most out of those precious hours.

1. Why the Chapel Bridge is Lucerne’s Crown Jewel

Aspect	What You’ll See	Why It Matters
History	Built in 1333, it’s the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe. The interior walls are adorned with 17th‑century paintings depicting pivotal moments in Lucerne’s past.	Walking across feels like stepping into a living museum.
Scenery	Panoramic views of the Reuss River, the lake, and the snow‑capped peaks of Pilatus and Rigi.	A single photo here can sum up the whole Swiss experience.
Photogenic Power	The bridge’s iconic red‑painted roof, the medieval Water Tower, and the flower‑filled promenade create endless Instagram‑worthy angles.	Perfect for travel bloggers, influencers, and anyone who loves a good snapshot.
Cultural Hub	Right next to the historic Old Town, the bridge is a natural launchpad to explore cobblestone lanes, boutique shops, and traditional cafés.	You get a taste of Lucerne’s everyday life without hopping around.

In short, the Chapel Bridge is more than a bridge—it’s a condensed version of Lucerne’s story, geography, and vibe, all packed into a 204‑meter stroll.

2. Making the Most of Your Visit

A. Arrive Early (or Late) to Beat the Crowd

The bridge is a magnet for tourists, especially in summer. Aim to be there first thing in the morning (around 8 am) or after 7 pm during the high season. Early light casts a golden glow over the water, while the evening blue‑hour adds a romantic ambience.

B. Walk the Bridge Slowly, Look Up

Paintings: Take 30‑seconds per panel to read the captions (available in English, German, and French).
Architecture: Notice the triangular trusses—a brilliant medieval engineering solution that has kept the bridge standing for nearly 700 years.

C. Pop Up to the Water Tower

Climb the 68‑step spiral staircase for a 360° panorama. From the top you’ll see the Jesuit Church, the old city walls, and the lake stretching beyond the town. The view is especially striking when the Alps are dusted with snow.

D. Combine with a Quick Lakeside Walk

When you exit the bridge on the opposite side, you’ll be on the Schnürschlössli (the small promenade along the Reuss). Follow it for a few minutes to reach the Lake Lucerne promenade, where you can:

Snap a photo of the Löwendenkmal (Lion Monument)—a short 10‑minute walk away.
Grab a coffee at Café du Theatre, a historic spot favoured by locals and artists.

E. Take a Mini‑Cruise (If Time Permits)

If you’ve got an extra hour, hop on a 30‑minute “Lake Lucerne Panorama” boat from the nearby pier. The boat departs right by the bridge and offers the best perspective of the structure from the water. It’s a perfect way to seal the memory before you head back to the airport.

3. Practical Tips for the One‑Day Stopover

Tip	Details
Ticketing	The bridge itself is free, but the Water Tower’s observation deck costs CHF 5 (adult). Keep a few francs handy.
Luggage Storage	Lucerne’s Zentraler Bahnhof (central station) offers lockers (CHF 6 per day). Drop your bags and walk light.
Transport	From Zurich Airport (the most common entry point) take a direct train to Lucerne (≈ 1 h). Trains run every 30 minutes.
Weather Prep	Swiss weather can shift fast. Carry a compact rain jacket and a pair of comfortable walking shoes.
Dining	For a quick, authentic bite, try Rösti at Restaurant Zunft (just a stone’s throw from the bridge). It’s a Swiss potato dish that fuels you for the rest of the day.
Time Management	Allocate 45 minutes to the bridge + water tower, 15 minutes for the lakeside stroll, 30‑45 minutes for a coffee break, and 30 minutes for the mini‑cruise. That leaves you with a comfortable buffer for train travel and any unexpected delays.

4. The Takeaway: One Spot, Infinite Memories

When you have a single day to spend in a city known for its alpine vistas, historic architecture, and lakeside serenity, you need a signature experience that captures it all. The Chapel Bridge does exactly that: it is a historic landmark, a photographic hotspot, a gateway to the Old Town, and a launchpad for a lakeside adventure—all within a ten‑minute walk radius.

So, next time your itinerary shows “Lucerne – 24 hours,” set your compass to the Chapel Bridge and Water Tower. Walk the ancient planks, climb the tower, sip coffee by the water, and let the reflection of the Alps in the Reuss seal your Swiss memory forever.

Ready to make your layover legendary?
Pack a light backpack, hop on the train from Zurich, and let the Chapel Bridge be the heart of your Lucerne story. And when you’re back home, don’t forget to share your photos and tag #LucerneLayover—because every traveler deserves a snapshot of Swiss perfection.

Happy travels!

First Dig Two Graves

A sequel to “The Devil You Don’t”

…

Revenge is a dish best served cold – or preferably so when everything goes right

Of course, it rarely does, as Alistair, Zoe’s handler, discovers to his peril. Enter a wildcard, John, and whatever Alistair’s plan for dealing with Zoe was dies with him.

It leaves Zoe in completely unfamiliar territory.

…

John’s idyllic romance with a woman who is utterly out of his comfort zone is on borrowed time. She is still trying to reconcile her ambivalence, after being so indifferent for so long.

They agree to take a break, during which she disappears. John, thinking she has left without saying goodbye, refuses to accept the inevitable, calls on an old friend for help in finding her.

After the mayhem and being briefly reunited, she recognises an inevitable truth: there is a price to pay for taking out Alistair; she must leave and find them first, and he would be wise to keep a low profile.

But keeping a low profile just isn’t possible, and enlisting another friend, a private detective and his sister, a deft computer hacker, they track her to the border between Austria and Hungary.

What John doesn’t realise is that another enemy is tracking him to find her too. It could have been a grand tour of Europe. Instead, it becomes a race against time before enemies old and new converge for what will be an inevitable showdown.

Thrills, Spills, and just a dash of Romance

One writer's experiences, and battles with words

Category: #amwriting

An excerpt from “Echoes from the Past”

The cinema of my dreams – I always wanted to see the planets – Episode 15

A photograph from the inspirational bin – 34

The cinema of my dreams – Was it just another surveillance job – Episode 53

365 Days of writing, 2026 – 47