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”
Category Archives: Criminal
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”
Hustler Man
By Dick Johnson I’m a hustler by trade. Basically, I work very hard to avoid having a traditional job. I just don’t like people telling me what to do and living according to some made up rules, which mean nothing to me. Now, being a hustler doesn’t mean I always commit crimes. I do workContinue reading “Hustler Man”
The Water Tower
By Tony Sweatland Whipping post by the Allman Brothers Band was on when I started the old restored Ford from the sixties. Perfect song for a getaway. It’d be even better if someone was chasing me, but nobody drove out this far, this early, unless they lived out here. Worst case scenario for me isContinue reading “The Water Tower”
How My New Life Began
By Andy Betz He eventually had to come to work again. He knew I was waiting here for him. Where else would he go? I just wish he would not take so long. We had a long night of discussions and decisions ahead of us. He did walk in at 9:15. No more costumes today. Continue reading “How My New Life Began”
How Not to Take the Fall
By Marco Etheridge “What should we do with the body?” Louis Pyne squats on his haunches beside the corpse. The boathouse is cold as a meat locker. A massive hangover is dancing a tarantella six-eight time inside his skull, and the two guys standing behind Lou are making him nervous. At least they’re hungover asContinue reading “How Not to Take the Fall”