The neighborhood was on the wrong side of the tracks. That was clear to see from the outside of each home which lined Swanson Street. Paint peeled from shoe box-sized houses built to shelter working men and women each night when they returned from hard labor in the small industrial town. Life was hard on Swanson Street. No one would argue that point.
Read More"What's with all the coconuts?" Shawn shouted across the narrow strip of beach to Emily.
Read MoreAlong the dust-covered trail, fox, and quail sprinted between golden aspen. Fall swept into the rendezvous camp meeting with the bear-covered trappers, and rugged mountain guides of the Rocky Mountain west. Among them, Jedidiah Cleveland.
Read MoreThe house slumped on the overgrown lot like a forgotten bum beside a dead railway station. Blank windows looked out over a little town like sunken eyes void of life. Cracked steps and a front door hanging on rusted nails grinned at walkers who passed.
Read More"Leave..." The voice bellowed for a third time. Each time the command floated through the air, from a disembodied voice, Celine shivered. The third and final utterance was followed by a blinding flash of lightning. The thunder which followed deafened her as she fled for the darkened hallway.
Read MoreIt had started with a chicken. Her broken eggs to be more precise. Darius Fry walked across the dew-coated lawn to the chicken coop and collected the eggs. His wife's birds would lay between ten to twelve eggs a day.
Read More"First, let me tell you something about Meredith Harrison. I have it on very good authority that she not only welcomes Darla Kingston to bridge every Thursday. She also caters to Samuel Kingston's cravings every Friday."
Read More"You sure you want to go down this route?" Tony walked toward the massive desk in the center of the room. He flicked a switch, and a small flame ignited. The cigar in his left hand lowered into the sputtering fire, glowed, and smoked. He bent and puffed on the stogie until a thick cloud swirled around his head.
Read MoreElaine bent to pick up the rattle and placed it back into the crib with her newborn infant. Her mother scolded her that a newborn couldn't use a rattle, but she didn't care. Elaine had filled the crib with an assortment of stuffed animals and toys with pleasure.
Read MoreThe straps of the rough leather backpack were pulled tightly, securing a meager collection of tools and food supplies. At least the carving knife was sharp, and the compass was true.
Read More"My child lost her crayons!" The red haired woman's scream drowned in waves of noise. Her eyes were bloodshot and filled with terror. Her hair sprouted like neon red lightning bolts from their too-soon grey roots.
Read MoreThe phones all began to ring at the same time. His cell phone first, soon followed by his desk phone, and then the softphone installed on his laptop. An eruption of chirps and buzzes shattered the stillness of the morning.
Read More
