By Kathleen Chamberlin In the moonlight, a large owl perched on the elm tree nearest the woods behind the Deerfield house. It scanned the surrounding area, blinking and turning its head, watching and waiting. Soon, some unsuspecting victim would scamper into sight, searching for food. The owl would leave its perch, talons extended, swooping downContinue reading “Brotherly Love”
Category Archives: Detective
Darklands
By Alec Cizak “It’s funny.” He scratched his khaki pants, picking at the sleeves of a pink button-down shirt. “A couple of nights ago, my daughter asked what it means to die. I always figured the sex talk would be the toughest. Turns out, explaining to a child that someday she’ll no longer exist, well,Continue reading “Darklands”
Nightfall
By Kevin Reigle Red and blue police lights reflected off the frosted store windows. The snow glowed from the moonlight as it fell on the city park. Onlookers stood behind the yellow police tape near the gazebo, intently watching the officers examine the body. Flashes from the crime photographer’s camera made the crowd uneasy asContinue reading “Nightfall”
Best Served Cold
by Krystal Mossbarger “What do you have?” Detective Loughty asks when he enters the room. What I have is a stomach threatening to ruin my career. The grotesque scene surrounding us is my first case since being promoted to detective. I attempt to adopt Loughty’s casual attitude; he looks as if he’s attending a partyContinue reading “Best Served Cold”
The Diamond
Crime Fiction By Harry Neil “And all for just one damn diamond!” the widow sobbed as the pallbearers placed the casket onto the belts that would lower it into the grave. “One damn diamond! Why the hell didn’t he just give him the damn thing? It wasn’t that valuable, not worth dying for, not worthContinue reading “The Diamond”
Vera Likely’s Endeavors
Crime Fiction By Gratia Serpento “Oh, Officer Ketterling, what can I do for you?” Vera Likely leans up against her door, her brows perfectly arched with just the right amount of concern, her mouth open in a red ‘o’ and her brown hair perfectly coiffed. A stunning red dress, reminiscent of a 50’s style, wasContinue reading “Vera Likely’s Endeavors”
Help Me, I’m Not Dead
Crime Fiction By Anika K. Clausen The plastic lies heavy on my frozen limbs. My efforts to move are pointless, screaming –impossible. My idle olfactory capabilities allow me to discern the remaining air underneath my suffocating duvet. An iron odor fills my uncompromising trap. With my limited peripheral vision, I can sense the bed ofContinue reading “Help Me, I’m Not Dead”
Julia and Katherine
Noir Fiction By Andy Betz “Hello. My name is Katherine Adams.” It was my reserved opening. Neither abrupt nor capricious, I remained steadfast in my resolve to make a singular opening. I made discreet inquiries about her idiosyncrasies and decided to discard such second hand information and decide for myself. “I read your ad inContinue reading “Julia and Katherine”
Nicole and Julia: Death at Poolside
By Andy Betz “The brochure says the Williams Aquatic Center houses a full sized Olympic swimming pool, bleachers, separate locker rooms and showers, and ample parking for up to 500 spectators. The hours today are from 8am to 10pm which includes lifeguard and CPR classes from 10am to 1pm and free swimming for the restContinue reading “Nicole and Julia: Death at Poolside”
Judge and Jury
Crime Fiction By William M. McIntosh I’ve seen just about everything. Thirty-three years in and I still get excited, though. The chase. The capture. The power. The idea that your hard work has paid off and you’re still the man; there ain’t a feeling that comes close. I remember my first. I still think aboutContinue reading “Judge and Jury”