9 October 2026, Freewriters Community Daily Writing Prompt Day 3251: Found it in the canal

“OK, so, we found it in the canal, but no, we're not keeping this, George.”

“Nope, Milton – finders keepers doesn't count on a case like this, because, ain't no way.”

So nine-year-olds Milton Trent and George Ludlow went and got Sgt. Vincent Trent and Capt. R.E. Ludlow.

“I see that our families both have succeeded in teaching our children gun safety,” the captain said to the sergeant as they looked down into the Tinyville, VA canal that contained a sawed-off shotgun sitting on the far bank.

“Yes, sir, we have, because George and Milton could have easily reached it and knew better,” Sgt. Trent said as he tousled the head of his younger son.

“Good job, boys,” Capt. Ludlow said. “Now, run down to the police station and ask Capt. Hamilton to get up here as quick as he can.”

The two boys departed, and the sergeant shook his head.

“That wasn't here this morning,” he said. “I walked by with Melvin and Vanna on our dawn photography run.”

“And, the trigger is just about pressed because of the rock that is wedged most unfortunately in by it,” the captain said.

Ironwood Hamilton, cousin to the Ludlows and captain of police in Tinyville, VA, came in his truck with Milton and George sitting up by him in the front seat.

“Y'all did good – but stay here until it is clear,” he said, and the two boys stayed in the truck but basically climbed up into the windshield to see what was going to happen.

“Careful, Ironwood – the trigger is close to firing,” Capt. Ludlow said.

“Any gun down is like a snake – you sneak up on it from behind,” Capt. Hamilton said. “But it's a sawed-off shotgun, so y'all back up.”

Capt. Hamilton walked across the canal and carefully maneuvered the gun around the rock near the trigger, and then picked it up carefully and cleared the chamber.

“Clear,” he said. “This was wiped for fingerprints, but meant to be found – and it's a long story that started over in Pittsylvania County and made its way up here.”

“Probably the kind of story even two hardened veterans can do without hearing,” Sgt. Trent said.

“Yes, because your boys were wise enough to not add themselves to it,” Capt. Hamilton said, “and there's a reward attached to finding this, and I'll see to it that they get it.”

George and Milton started cheering, to the amusement of the three men who loved them.

“A bright spot in a dark tale indeed,” Capt. Hamilton said, with a smile.