Dreams of the Red Skull, Part 2
The Dramamine has kicked in. What have I got to lose? I hear good things about Dramamine. How did I get here? I’m in the office. I’m sitting on the…
The Pruners
I am writing this with the full knowledge that I may not live long enough to complete it. I have come under the suspicion of the Pruners. There is a…
The Last Blue Dagger
It was January 9, a lovely day in Seattle with a 50 percent chance of rain and sleet until midnight, and he was on the run for his life. Again. There…
The Incident
It was hard being a police officer. I had just gotten a call for a sick baby. I was working a twelve-hour shift. I was tired. The police work was…
Gas Me, Daddy
It was that cookout. He sat in the night paralyzed into indecision. Hatred and rage twisted his guts; fear froze them icy solid. He mourned. He…
Exact Change
Without a doubt in my mind, I will say that the lowest possible form of human interaction is that which goes on between customer and cashier. After…
Out for a Walk, Part 3
Harry was out for a walk. Nowhere in particular in mind; he didn’t find the idea altogether unenjoyable to take a long shortcut through a field of…
“The New Morning Coffee Normal” and “The Black Djellaba”
The New Morning Coffee Normal I’m slowly sipping coffee with almond milk. My husband hasn’t come home from the hospital this morning. It isn’t…
Dreams of the Red Skull, Part 1
Why are they bothering me? They should leave me in peace. Nothing is so important that it can’t wait. They are shaking me by the shoulder. What is…
Date Night in Starbucks
“So, what can I get you?” the barista guy asks. “A mocha, please,” I’m saying, trying not to stare at the rash on his neck. “To stay or to go?” He…
