Crime Fiction by Jack Smiles The first time Rex heard the song he was in the car alone. He flipped out. He wanted to pull over, rip the damn radio out of the dash and beat it to death with a hammer. The second time he and his girlfriend, Angie, were hanging out on aContinue reading “I’m For You, If You’re For Me”
Category Archives: Hard Life
Snuff
by Daniel Robinson “Ah, but I was so much older then, I’m younger than that now.”–Bob Dylan Some days in October, Seattle can be an old city without any hope as the clouds huddle heavy above the city, threatening another rain. The buildings between First and Second Avenues block even the stray bits of sunlightContinue reading “Snuff”
Have You Ever Written A Suicide Note?
By Lipika Pande There are only a few who can describe the experience, and you are unfortunately one of those. You are divided into parts; one that wishes for a miracle, for someone to call and ask, “Hey, you need help?”. For a sign to tell you, this is not what you’re supposed to do.Continue reading “Have You Ever Written A Suicide Note?”
Anger, Lust and Greed
By Scotch Rutherford June 8, 1980 Max was up before the sun. It was a habit he couldn’t shake. Three tours will do that to you. The hooker from the night before was asleep in her clothes next to him. He had that clammy feel on his skin, like he was covered in hair gel.Continue reading “Anger, Lust and Greed”
Thou Shalt Not…
By Dick Johnson Sweat dripped down his face as he watched his house. This wasn’t the first time she had cheated and it certainly wouldn’t be the last. But, it would be the last time she cheated on him, with this guy. Wind blew through the trees above him, cooling him slightly. It was summerContinue reading “Thou Shalt Not…”
Harvest Season
By Amanda Eiden Three swift kicks is all it takes for Otis to break down the front door. It cracks from the hinges and hits the floor with a snap. Jackson and Dewey step inside. Their feet in sync. Cool air. Soft television static. Popcorn pops from the stove. Otis glances around before stepping inside.Continue reading “Harvest Season”
The Quarry
By Jason Smith Alex and his car were found at the same quarry where the man from 1984 was buried. The front of his car was a crumbled wreck. He had driven through a barricade and rolled down a hill before plunging to his final resting place. His autopsy showed his alcohol limit was aboveContinue reading “The Quarry”
Hard Case
By Glen Bush The wooden screen door slammed shut sending a rickety echo through the tavern. The two fans sitting at each end of the hand-made, but not well-made, bar did little more than disperse the muggy, August air. It was St. Louis and August, nothing more needed to be said. The smiling barfly atContinue reading “Hard Case”
My Wife’s Brother
By Steven James Cordin I woke up with Joe’s gun in my face. I rolled over on to my side and shut my eyes. “Whatever it is, can it wait till after I have some coffee?” “You ruined my life!” Joe screamed. “You are a dead man!” I opened my eyes again. The clock onContinue reading “My Wife’s Brother”
The Wheels Go Round and Round
By Melissa R. Mendelson “Come on, Ben. Wake up.” He kicked the young boy’s shoulder. “Get up.” “Oh, come on, Henry. It’s early.” He rolled across the floor and pushed the thin shirt under his head closer to him. “Let me just sleep.” “You’ve slept enough. Come on, Ben. Let’s go. We got work toContinue reading “The Wheels Go Round and Round”