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 Price of Extraction

By Monique Berkin Darius pulls at the thread of a musty wool blanket, and it unravels, pooling on the grimy floor. His life is also unraveling sooner than he predicted. His older brother Kane’s frantic call came four hours, seven minutes, and three seconds ago. Get out! Leave everything and meet me at the abandonedContinue reading “The Price of Extraction”

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”

Stranger in the Camp

Western Fiction By Chris Bunton “Hello in the camp! Permission to enter.” A man’s voice yelled from the darkness. Paul knew someone was out there creeping around but there wasn’t much he could do except watch and wait.  He stirred the fire with a stick. Sparks rose up, and the fire got a little brighter.Continue reading “Stranger in the Camp”

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”

No-Kill Shelter

Crime Fiction By Brenda Kilianski Woman Found Strangled in Uptown Apartment August 19, 1997. Dateline: Chicago. Diana Charlton, 29, a Loop-based attorney, was found strangled in her apartment in the 900-block of West Argyle. While police have no definitive suspects, a spokeswoman for the department noted similarities between the murder of Ms. Charlton and anotherContinue reading “No-Kill Shelter”

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”

Hard Case

Crime Fiction 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 smilingContinue 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”