Smuggler

• Rachel Chapman, Grade 5
• Short Story
• 2022

Bullets flew through the air , embedding themselves into the dark and musty cave walls . I swerved and ducked and slowly advanced towards the cave's entrance . I turned another corner and light started streaming into my face but before I could take another step to freedom something cold and metallic pressed against my back in the same shape as a gun.

The school holidays are mostly boring for me . You basically just lounge around at home looking for an occasional pigeon to irritate but this summer was different . We got to go on a free holiday to the Eden beach resort with pools and spas and , well ,everything ! But , not like it sounds, it was far from relaxing especially since I had uncovered a secret cave and a smuggling ring !

''Hold it right there '' A voice boomed out of the shadows . I turned around to face a hairy man with an intimidating structure. In his hand he held a well polished machine gun , probably the same thing he held to my back . I froze , thoughts racing through my head as fast as a formula 1 race car . What would my parents say ? Should I make a compromise with him ?

My mouth opened and shut and then in finally stuttered ''wwwhat ddddo yyyou wwwant''. '' I want to know why your here and what you know '' the man answered back in his deep , gravely voice . I started to run then thought better of it . I turned around and took a deep breath in . I hope I knew what I was about to do.

'' Iii thought you were ppppirates so I followed you tttto this cave because I lllike pppirates. '' I fake stuttered . ''So you're just a little weasel of a boy '' the smuggler said , grimacing '' . He shooed me out of the cave and for two reasons . One because he had believed my lie and two because I was out of the cave so I'd have reception to call 000.