By Gratia Serpento Loraine thought she was being watched. Every time she crossed the street or stepped out of her car, her skin would prickle with the fear of eyes. She kept looking over her shoulder at every shake of the wind, half expecting someone with a machete to be standing behind her. But, despiteContinue reading “Loraine”
Category Archives: Criminal
Thinking of You
By Tony Sweatland Danny loves animals. And he hates people. Yesterday he knocked on a door and a woman wearing pj’s answered with a cup of hot chocolate in her hands. Meanwhile, not twenty feet away, a small dog shivered in a plastic igloo-style dog house inside a 10’ by 10’ cage. He wrote herContinue reading “Thinking of You”
A Fast Weekend
By William D. Higgs III Some people called me a “private detective,” but I thought of myself as a fixer. People came to me with problems, and I fixed them. Someone thought their husband was screwing around, so I’d follow the bastard, take a few pictures of him going into a seedy motel, and getContinue reading “A Fast Weekend”
I’m Tired of Murder
By David Larson Chapter one “Damn, I’m getting tired of murder.” “Did you say something, Clarence? Do you want another cup of coffee” Your breakfast should be out next.” “I’m sorry Helen, I was talking to myself. I read this editorial in the paper where the writer thinks all the deaths in the last monthContinue reading “I’m Tired of Murder”
Fossil
By Steve Saulsbury They noticed the older man at the beach where people went looking for fossils. He was fiddling with his pack on a picnic table. Shane sprawled in the sand, puffing a crumpled cigarette. Lacey splashed along the shoreline. “Find any fossils?” Shane asked the man. “No. Just enjoying the scenery.” Lacey watchedContinue reading “Fossil”
Polish Day Parade
By Jerome Berglund Poet’s Note: TRIGGER WARNING: These selections comprise part of a cycle of pieces examining the life and crimes of serial killer John Wayne Gacy in 33 different poetic forms, and invariably include some graphic and disturbing content. English Ode “The trick is, you need the key.” – John Wayne Gacy Polish DayContinue reading “Polish Day Parade”
Pole Dancer
By Seamus O’ Leary Jack and Nubs stormed up to the front of the South side Projects building. Jack went in the front door while Nubs went around to cover any routes of escape. Jack took the stairs, like he always did. He hated the confined space of the elevator, and prided himself on beingContinue reading “Pole Dancer”
Dead Short
By Tony Sweatland The cops showed up while Mickey was in surgery. Liz didn’t say much other than the basics. He tried to get me, we fought back. He shot at Mickey. Mickey shot back. They still had plenty of questions but they were understanding of the situation and made arrangements to talk later. It’sContinue reading “Dead Short”
Senny
By Andy Betz and Dounia Saunders “Four years and you still cannot make up your mind!” Her proposal was sincere. The beach house would make a perfect place for us. Everything she said to me was so right. And, at the same time, so wrong. Her face was unwavering. The evening breeze moved her hair,Continue reading “Senny”
Et Tu
By Andy Betz The rain beat down hard on the convertible soft top. Generally, this meant I had two, maybe three hours before it began to leak. What I had to say did not warrant this much time. However, should she want to fight, at least I knew when it was going to be over.Continue reading “Et Tu”