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SHORT STORIES

Here, you'll find information on when and where BJ Bourg's short stories (from flash fiction to longer works) have appeared or will be appearing. Read short excerpts from each of these stories and feast your eyes on some breath-taking illustrations by Artist Gin Elf.

A BADGE LIKE MINE (The Writer's Hood, October 2003) 

EXCERPT:

“It’s gone,” Johnny said when he finally came back to the phone. “The box is there, but the gun’s gone... and it hasn’t been signed out. What’s going on? Does this have something to do with yesterday?”

“Did he log anything else in?”

“Yeah, a spent casing and a projectile, but they were signed over to Willie in Ballistics.”

“Don’t breathe a word about this...don’t even think about it to yourself.”

A COLD MURDER (The Writer's Hood, December 2003) 

EXCERPT:

Jeffery swallowed hard. He knew the night air was blowing against his face, but he couldn’t feel the biting cold that was there a second ago. His eyelids were heavy. They started to slide shut and he fought to keep them open. He stared into the light. Why couldn’t he feel his stomach? Shouldn’t there be pain? The headlights flickered....

BEDROOM BATTLE (Mysterical-E, January 2004) link to story

EXCERPT:

I couldn't believe he was telling me it didn't hurt. "It does hurt!" I yelled. To my horror, blood sprayed onto my dad's bare chest.

A COLD MURDER (Detective Mystery Stories, February 2004) link to DMS

EXCERPT:

Jeffery swallowed hard. He knew the night air was blowing against his face, but he couldn’t feel the biting cold that was there a second ago. His eyelids were heavy. They started to slide shut and he fought to keep them open. He stared into the light. Why couldn’t he feel his stomach? Shouldn’t there be pain? The headlights flickered....

MUDDY WATERS (Future's Mysterious Anthology Magazine, Cover Story, Summer 2004) link to FMAM

EXCERPT:

"Looks like she's smiling." Detective Rick Patterson snapped another picture. 

"Have a heart," I said, "she's somebody's daughter." I jumped from the boat and sank to my knees in the marsh. Muddy water seeped into my shoes and a swarm of mosquitoes rose up from the marsh grass to greet me. I fought my way through the slush to where the grass grew in thicker clumps and followed them until I reached the edge of the gully where Rick stood. Sweat poured off me from the heat of the August sun. I was no stranger to the Southern Louisiana heat, but it was an unusually hot summer. It felt as though Hell's doors had been opened.

A DEADLY PHONE CALL (Detective Mystery Stories, October 2004) link to DMS

EXCERPT:

When the smell of fresh dirt reached him, Daniel had to pinch his nose to keep from sneezing. He pulled the front of his shirt over his nose and mouth and lay on the earth’s floor beside Liam, trying to ignore the bloodsuckers that swarmed over his bare back like a pack of ravenous vampires. How they found him that fast was anybody’s guess....

HELL HATH NO FURY (Mysterical-E, March 2005) link to M-E

EXCERPT:

The pipe fell from Logan's mouth and with a voice that shook, he asked, "What is this? What the hell is going on?"

"You're getting murdered," Beverly said.

MY DAUGHTER'S KEEPER (Web Mystery Magazine, Spring 2005) link to story       

EXCERPT:

"Ransom!"  April called from the bathroom.

We’d been married for over four years and I knew her like the scars on my back.  "Got it!"  I snatched up her terrycloth robe from the bedroom and sauntered into the bathroom.

"Thanks," she said.  "I keep forgetting."

I held the robe hostage and let my eyes rove up and down her cloud-white frame. Her long, midnight-black hair dangled over her shoulders, dripping water onto her plump breasts.  "Nice!"

THE AVENGING BULLET (FAME, May 2005) link to story  Gin Elf Home  Gin Elf Gallery

EXCERPT:

Sally Taylor was in her backyard watching Mickey and Seth swim. She looked up when I approached. Her eyes were swollen and bloodshot. "Rush, it's been over a year. The twins still ask when daddy's coming home."

I sat beside her. The boys had just turned four. Etched in my brain was the memory of their tiny faces fifteen months earlier. They had stared wide-eyed when their mother collapsed to the floor while I tried to explain that I'd done everything I could to save her husband…their father…my only friend.

A HANDFUL OF EVIDENCE (Mysterical-E, June 2005) link to M-E  Gin Elf Home  Gin Elf Gallery

EXCERPT:

That cold December morning was no different than any other December morning in Triple Oaks. Amid the bustling, last minute Christmas shoppers, Derrick Neils picked his way across Main Street. Had he known what awaited him on the other side of the street, he wouldn't have crossed.

A FATHER'S CONSOLATION (Writer's Post Journal, June 2005) link to WPJ  Gin Elf Home  Gin Elf Gallery

EXCERPT:

I stood alone in the crowded dressing room. Fighters warmed up. Coaches gave last minute instructions. Family members and friends offered words of encouragement. I didn’t hear any of it. I was alone inside my head with the demons.

HEARTBEAT TO HELL (Web Mystery Magazine, Summer 2005) link to story

EXCERPT:

Susan clutched my arm. "Don't leave me."

"I'll just be a minute." I stepped out and stood by the Explorer. The night was graveyard quiet. I started across the highway. "Is everything okay?"

The woman had moved to the door of her car. "I caught a blowout."

"Would you like a ride?"

The woman looked up and down the road. She clutched her cell phone. "I'll be fine. Thank you."

"My name's Joe Everett. My wife's with me. We're on our way to the coast. If you'd like, we can take you to the next town."

The woman chewed on her lower lip. "I don't know."

MUDDY WATERS (Reprint: Absent the Soul, July 2005) link to book

EXCERPT:

"Looks like she's smiling." Detective Rick Patterson snapped another picture. 

"Have a heart," I said, "she's somebody's daughter." I jumped from the boat and sank to my knees in the marsh. Muddy water seeped into my shoes and a swarm of mosquitoes rose up from the marsh grass to greet me. I fought my way through the slush to where the grass grew in thicker clumps and followed them until I reached the edge of the gully where Rick stood. Sweat poured off me from the heat of the August sun. I was no stranger to the Southern Louisiana heat, but it was an unusually hot summer. It felt as though Hell's doors had been opened.

PICTURE PERFECT MURDER (Reprint: Absent the Soul, July 2005) link to book

EXCERPT:

I tried to get comfortable with that statement before I spoke. “What exactly do you mean?”

“I think she saw what was happening from her bedroom window—”

“And she photographed it?”

“Yes, sir.”

MY DAUGHTER'S KEEPER (Reprint: Absent the Soul, July 2005) link to book     

EXCERPT:

"Ransom!"  April called from the bathroom.

We’d been married for over four years and I knew her like the scars on my back.  "Got it!"  I snatched up her terrycloth robe from the bedroom and sauntered into the bathroom.

"Thanks," she said.  "I keep forgetting."

I held the robe hostage and let my eyes rove up and down her cloud-white frame. Her long, midnight-black hair dangled over her shoulders, dripping water onto her plump breasts.  "Nice!"

A COLD MURDER (Reprint: Absent the Soul, July 2005) link to book

EXCERPT:

Jeffery swallowed hard. He knew the night air was blowing against his face, but he couldn’t feel the biting cold that was there a second ago. His eyelids were heavy. They started to slide shut and he fought to keep them open. He stared into the light. Why couldn’t he feel his stomach? Shouldn’t there be pain? The headlights flickered....

A DEADLY PHONE CALL (Reprint: Absent the Soul, July 2005) link to book

EXCERPT:

When the smell of fresh dirt reached him, Daniel had to pinch his nose to keep from sneezing. He pulled the front of his shirt over his nose and mouth and lay on the earth’s floor beside Liam, trying to ignore the bloodsuckers that swarmed over his bare back like a pack of ravenous vampires. How they found him that fast was anybody’s guess....

A BADGE LIKE MINE (Reprint: Absent the Soul, July 2005) link to book

EXCERPT:

“It’s gone,” Johnny said when he finally came back to the phone. “The box is there, but the gun’s gone... and it hasn’t been signed out. What’s going on? Does this have something to do with yesterday?”

“Did he log anything else in?”

“Yeah, a spent casing and a projectile, but they were signed over to Willie in Ballistics.”

“Don’t breathe a word about this...don’t even think about it to yourself.”

A HANDFUL OF EVIDENCE (Reprint: Absent the Soul, July 2005) link to book

EXCERPT:

That cold December morning was no different than any other December morning in Triple Oaks. Amid the bustling, last minute Christmas shoppers, Derrick Neils picked his way across Main Street. Had he known what awaited him on the other side of the street, he wouldn't have crossed.

HELL HATH NO FURY (Reprint: Absent the Soul, July 2005) link to book

EXCERPT:

The pipe fell from Logan's mouth and with a voice that shook, he asked, "What is this? What the hell is going on?"

"You're getting murdered," Beverly said.

DEVIL'S SWAMP RESORT (Reprint: Absent the Soul, July 2005) link to book

EXCERPT:

My armpits were like garden hoses. Somebody must've blown my cover! Johnny nudged my shoulder. I tried to think, but the freshly broken ground was more than unnerving. So, I had found the burial ground, as had been expected by my superiors, but now what? Return in my next life as a map and mail myself to FBI Headquarters?

BEDROOM BATTLE (Reprint: Absent the Soul, July 2005) link to book

EXCERPT:

I couldn't believe he was telling me it didn't hurt. "It does hurt!" I yelled. To my horror, blood sprayed onto my dad's bare chest.

ALL IN A DAY'S PLAY (Absent the Soul, July 2005) link to book

EXCERPT:

After darkness fell, the boys packed their knapsacks and slipped out the back door. When they reached the first barbed-wire fence, Devin stopped Brock. "You don't think we should ask your mom first?" 

Brock shook his head and wiped sweat from his face. "If you don't ask, the answer's never no. Let's go."

HEARTBEAT TO HELL (Reprint: Absent the Soul, July 2005) link to book

EXCERPT:

Susan clutched my arm. "Don't leave me."

"I'll just be a minute." I stepped out and stood by the Explorer. The night was graveyard quiet. I started across the highway. "Is everything okay?"

The woman had moved to the door of her car. "I caught a blowout."

"Would you like a ride?"

The woman looked up and down the road. She clutched her cell phone. "I'll be fine. Thank you."

"My name's Joe Everett. My wife's with me. We're on our way to the coast. If you'd like, we can take you to the next town."

The woman chewed on her lower lip. "I don't know."

A BLIND AFFAIR (Skyline Magazine's Endless Stories, August 2005)

EXCERPT:

Joseph bolted through the Emergency Room doors and announced his reason for being there. A nurse ushered him into a small room on the third floor and handed him a set of sterile hospital garb. He changed in a flash and walked out the room on unsteady legs. Guilt befell him when he walked into the delivery room and saw his wife lying on the hospital bed, her face wrenched in pain. He rushed to her side and grabbed hold of her hand. He couldn’t look into her eyes.

WET BLADE (Mysterical-E, September 2005) link to story  Gin Elf Home  Gin Elf Gallery

EXCERPT:

The chrome latch rattled and the stall door creaked open. This was it...time to get wet! Letting out a war cry, Jared shoved his shoulder hard against the door and sent the assassin sprawling. Before the assassin could regain his balance, Jared closed the distance between them and plunged the six-inch blade deep into his chest. Jared twisted and shoved on the handle, as the assassin clawed at the knife with weakening hands.

DEVIL'S SWAMP RESORT (Mysterical-E, September 2005) link to story  Gin Elf Home  Gin Elf Gallery

EXCERPT:

My armpits were like garden hoses. Somebody must've blown my cover! Johnny nudged my shoulder. I tried to think, but the freshly broken ground was more than unnerving. So, I had found the burial ground, as had been expected by my superiors, but now what? Return in my next life as a map and mail myself to FBI Headquarters?

RED DECLARATION (Web Mystery Magazine, Fall 2005) link to story           

EXCERPT:

The man stood slowly to his feet. Before he could react, I shot a stiff jab that snapped his head back. I followed up with a hard right to his chin and watched him collapse to the porch floor. As he lay on the floor, I bent and grasped a handful of his mask and ripped it violently from his head. I dragged him to the edge of the porch, where the moonlight shone brightly, and pushed his head back. When the light splashed against his face, I jerked back and nearly fell over.

THE WILL TO DIE (Flashshot, October 2005) link to Flashshot

EXCERPT:

“No,” Rico said, “I’m willing to kill.”

THE DARK SIDE OF FOREVER (Writer's Post Journal, October 2005) link to WPJ

EXCERPT:

Fear snapped like a bear-trap around his heart. That was Kelly's address! Richard smashed the accelerator. His siren screamed as he raced to Kelly's apartment. Once there, he jumped out the squad car and dashed through the front door, which was open and splintered.  

ALIVE INTO HELL (Writer's Post Journal, October 2005) link to WPJ Gin Elf Home  Gin Elf Gallery

EXCERPT:

Vanessa slowly backed toward the door. “Why are you doing this? How are you doing this?”

Anna slowly stood to her feet and wobbled toward Vanessa. “Daddy said he’s going to drag you alive into Hell.”

NUMBER 210 (Flashshot, October 2005) link to Flashshot

EXCERPT:

An important man strolled by in a business suit. Eyes straight ahead, he didn’t see me.

A FATHER'S CONSOLATION (Reprint: Stories of Strength, October 2005) link to book

EXCERPT:

I sank to my seat as I watched a disheartened Brandon take his place on the floor amongst the other nine and ten year old fighters.

THE UPSTAIRS ELEVATOR (Flashshot, November 2005) link to Flashshot

EXCERPT:

“Donna, I got him! Shot him right before the doors closed. Stay by the elevator; it’s coming down to you.”

FINAL GIFT (The Writer's Post Journal, November 2005) link to WPJ              

EXCERPT:

Suddenly, gunshots erupted from across the street. I jerked around in time to see a man run from a housing project. He approached the field and stopped cold when he saw me standing there in uniform.

PICTURE PERFECT MURDER (Mysterical-E, December 2005) link to M-E  Gin Elf Home  Gin Elf Gallery

EXCERPT:

I tried to get comfortable with that statement before I spoke. “What exactly do you mean?”

“I think she saw what was happening from her bedroom window—”

“And she photographed it?”

“Yes, sir.”

HER JUDAS EYES (The Writer's Post Journal, January 2006) link to WPJ  Gin Elf Home  Gin Elf Gallery

EXCERPT:

Jerry’s mouth dropped open. “You’re kidding!”

Nelson shook his head. “I found a hotel receipt under the seat in her car. She admitted everything.”

Neither man spoke for several minutes. Each concentrated on the bottle of beer before them on the table. Finally, Jerry broke the silence. “What’re you going to do?”

FALSE POSITIVE (Apollo's Lyre, January 2006) link to story

EXCERPT:

I squeezed my eyes shut and bit away the burning in my jaw. Images of Heidi being infected by another man's poison flashed inside my head. I pounded my skull to dislodge the mental slide show, but it was no use. Heidi's playful laughter echoed like thunder; her pale face a ghostly image against the backdrop of betrayal. How could she do this to me?

ALIVE INTO HELL (Reprint: Writer's Post Journal, Best of 2005 Issue, February 2006) link to WPJ 

EXCERPT:

Vanessa slowly backed toward the door. “Why are you doing this? How are you doing this?”

Anna slowly stood to her feet and wobbled toward Vanessa. “Daddy said he’s going to drag you alive into Hell.”

SPACE COP (Writer's Post Journal, February 2006) link to WPJ 

EXCERPT:

“The Alcatraz of the New Millennium,” I said. “Only there’s absolutely no chance of escape.”

I watched as we made our approach to Space Prison. Commander Taylor communicated with Houston. I didn’t understand a word that was said, but it suddenly occurred to me that something was terribly wrong.

BEAR ILLEGAL (Crime and Suspense, March 2006) link to Crime and Suspense

EXCERPT:

Rebecca held her breath.  Her legs trembled.  She squinted in order to get a better—

“What the hell are you doing?” boomed Curry’s voice.

Rebecca squealed and the figure bolted into the depths of darkness that surrounded the isolated campsite.  She sank to the floor of the tent.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS (Flashshot, March 2006) link to Flashshot

EXCERPT:

Lenny’s jaw dropped. “We’ve lost everything! What the hell are you thanking Him for?”

SECRET DYING DECLARATION (Flashshot, March 2006) link to Flashshot

EXCERPT:

The door rattled with every strike of her ex-husband’s boot.

WET BLADE (Reprint: Bewildering Stories, April 2006) link to story

EXCERPT:

The chrome latch rattled and the stall door creaked open. This was it...time to get wet! Letting out a war cry, Jared shoved his shoulder hard against the door and sent the assassin sprawling. Before the assassin could regain his balance, Jared closed the distance between them and plunged the six-inch blade deep into his chest. Jared twisted and shoved on the handle, as the assassin clawed at the knife with weakening hands.

TEN SECONDS LONGER (Flashshot, April 2006) link to Flashshot

EXCERPT:

“Well, Jane, that bullet was your destiny.”

INSUBORDINATION (Seven By Seven Anthology, April 2006) link to Wolfmont Publishing

EXCERPT:

I smiled. Not at the printout, but at Rachael’s pink, silk shirt. Her collar was open, exposing the tops of her swollen, snowy breasts. A light sprinkle of freckles added character to an already mesmerizing picture. I felt a stirring deep inside my stomach. I smiled again–Ben always hired the best-looking secretaries for me.

UNTIL DEATH (Seven By Seven Anthology, April 2006) link to Wolfmont Publishing

EXCERPT:

“No! Please, don’t!” Sarah’s chin trembled. She tried to push Greg away, but he was too strong—too hungry. He dropped onto her and ravished her body, over and over.

AN INDOLENT HEART (Seven By Seven Anthology, April 2006) link to Wolfmont Publishing

EXCERPT:

Tears welled in Lydia’s eyes. She swallowed the flood of emotion that stirred deep within her and thought back to a time when Tom wasn’t so lazy. Back before he found the diary.

BAIL MONEY (Seven By Seven Anthology, April 2006) link to Wolfmont Publishing

EXCERPT:

I dialed in the combination and gasped when I opened the safe. There were five stacks of $100 bills. I grabbed them and checked the labels. Twentythousand dollars! I stuffed the money into the front of my pants. I had just shut the safe when the secretary burst through the door.

SHOT OF ANGER (Seven By Seven Anthology, April 2006) link to Wolfmont Publishing

EXCERPT:

“You can’t tell him—he’ll kill you!”

Gina Baxter nodded. “Probably.”

Richard Constant paced the floor. “Think about what you’re saying. You can’t—”

“My mind’s made up.” Gina walked to the door of the musky hotel room and paused. “Don’t worry; I won’t mention your name.”

SNIPER'S CHOICE (Seven By Seven Anthology, April 2006) link to Wolfmont Publishing

EXCERPT:

“Eighteen seconds!” the instructor bellowed.

I smiled inwardly. Thus far, my overall time was the best. There was only one sniper left in the competition—my partner, and she wasn’t even close to being in my league.

UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT (Seven By Seven Anthology, April 2006) link to Wolfmont Publishing

EXCERPT:

“I threw for nearly three thousand yards and thirty touchdowns in ‘79,” Andy said to the locals at Rex’ Restaurant and Bar. “That record will never be broken.”

Jasper pointed to the newspaper clipping on the wall. “Not if he has his way.”

HAPPY FIRST (Writer's Post Journal, April 2006) link to WPJ 

EXCERPT:

Jenny stood, hitched the gun belt up on her waist, and walked out the door. Her polyester pants whistled as she walked to the patrol cruiser. She smiled. That was a sound she wouldn’t miss.

SMELLS LIKE RAIN (Crime and Suspense, April 2006) link to Crime and Suspense

EXCERPT:

Bill nodded and broke into a stumbling jog. When he neared the crime scene area, thunder crashed and lightning flashed nearby. The suddenness of it startled Bill and he lost his footing. Preston watched in horror as Bill fought to retain his balance, but it was futile. His feet slipped out from under him. He fell face forward and crashed through the raincoats and onto the body. The force of the fall knocked Preston and Elvin sprawling.

THE OLD MAP (Flashing in the Gutters, April 2006) link to story

EXCERPT:

The boy, no more than fourteen, skid to a stop and stomped one end of his board. The other end flipped up violently. With one deft motion, he caught the end of the board and pushed it against his leg. He hiked up his baggy shorts and brushed his orange bangs from his eyes. “Granddad, this is 2006,” he said. “You’d better chunk that Elvis Presley suit and get with the times.”

GREEN GLOVES (Flashing in the Gutters, April 2006) link to story

EXCERPT:

Sam shook his head. “Don’t even think about it. When Chip was born, he chewed his umbilical cord in half, beat up the doctor, and carried his mom home.”

BLIND SHOT (Flashing in the Gutters, April 2006) link to story

EXCERPT:

Bethany rubbed her full lips lightly against Reggie’s neck and kissed her way to his mouth. She felt his tongue reach out for hers. Wrapping her lips gently around it, she slowly pulled until it fell from her grasp. She sighed. “I have to get back to work.”

GETTING UGLY (Flashing in the Gutters, April 2006) link to story

EXCERPT:

Things were about to get ugly — and there was nothing I could do about it. Jimmy pushed Buddy Gilmore against the wall and Steve hit him across the face with his slapjack. A scream ripped from Buddy’s throat and he fell to the ground. “I didn’t do it!” Buddy cried. “For God’s sake, it wasn’t me!”

HER JUDAS EYES (Reprint: Bewildering Stories, May 2006) link to story

EXCERPT:

Jerry’s mouth dropped open. “You’re kidding!”

Nelson shook his head. “I found a hotel receipt under the seat in her car. She admitted everything.”

Neither man spoke for several minutes. Each concentrated on the bottle of beer before them on the table. Finally, Jerry broke the silence. “What’re you going to do?”

A BLIND AFFAIR (Writer's Post Journal, May 2006) link to WPJ

EXCERPT:

Joseph bolted through the Emergency Room doors and announced his reason for being there. A nurse ushered him into a small room on the third floor and handed him a set of sterile hospital garb. He changed in a flash and walked out the room on unsteady legs. Guilt befell him when he walked into the delivery room and saw his wife lying on the hospital bed, her face wrenched in pain. He rushed to her side and grabbed hold of her hand. He couldn’t look into her eyes.

CANDLESTICK INJUSTICE (Writer's Post Journal, May 2006) link to WPJ

EXCERPT:

“What’re you working on?” Vicky asked. When Nelson didn’t answer, she stood and padded toward him. She came up behind him and caught just a glimpse of the screen before he quickly minimized it. “What’re you doing?” she demanded.

Nelson jerked around. “Nothing.”

BACK YARD (Flashing in the Gutters, May 2006) link to story

EXCERPT:

The excitement built in Johnny’s chest as he slipped out the barn and into the wooded area behind his house. The full moon made it easy to follow the faint trail. Within minutes, a glowing figure materialized out of the shadows of the trees. “You got here quick!”

BABY GIRL (Flashing in the Gutters, May 2006) link to story 

EXCERPT:

Dillon scrambled to his feet and padded down the hall to his room. He barely got the door closed before his dad stomped out the master bedroom. The heavy boots thundered down the hall, through the living room, and out of the house.

THE WRONG HEADLINE (Future's Mystery Anthology Magazine, May/June 2006) link to FMAM

EXCERPT:

“What do you mean by contacts?” My eager mind had wanted to know.

“Snitches. You need to get out there and find people who'll talk to you—sell you information. You might have to buy a lunch for someone here, get Saints ticket for another one over there, stuff like that. Trust me, when you're named Journalist of the Year, it'll all be worth the few pennies you paid along the way.” Stanley had cracked that wicked grin of his and slapped my back. “Of course, you'll have to wait until I retire to get that!”

HONEY BEAR (Writer's Post Journal, June 2006) link to WPJ

EXCERPT:

Gracie heard the anger in his footsteps as he marched to the front door. When he opened the door, a sudden whiff of air circulated throughout the house. The walls shook. The windows rattled.

"Catherine! Tornado! Get Gracie into the bathroom!"

TO KILL FOR (Crime and Suspense, June 2006) link to Crime and Suspense

EXCERPT:

Susan turned to look at me. Her eyes glistened in the moonlight. In a soft voice she said, “I know I love you because it hurts…” With a brush of her hand, she tossed her long, black hair over her left shoulder and exposed her firm, snowy breasts. They glowed against the backdrop of night. She placed her hand over her heart. “Right here. I feel it every time I leave you, every time I say goodbye, every time I look at my dad and know that he would never approve of you. That’s how I know I love you—because it hurts.”

WET BLADE (Reprint: Bewildering Stories, Editor's Choice, 2nd Quarterly Review, June 2006) link to issue

EXCERPT:

The chrome latch rattled and the stall door creaked open. This was it...time to get wet! Letting out a war cry, Jared shoved his shoulder hard against the door and sent the assassin sprawling. Before the assassin could regain his balance, Jared closed the distance between them and plunged the six-inch blade deep into his chest. Jared twisted and shoved on the handle, as the assassin clawed at the knife with weakening hands.

DEAR JOE (Mysterical-E, Summer 2006) link to M-E  

EXCERPT:

"Joe, get in my office now!"

Joe Leonard dropped his briefcase to the floor and ducked behind the wall of his cubicle. He leaned close to his partner and whispered, "What's he so mad about?"

Detective Dan Pritchard shrugged his shoulders. "He walked in pissed."

Joe sauntered into Eddie Walton's office. Eddie sat behind a rusted desk. Newspaper clippings and police certificates peppered the smoke-stained walls behind him. Joe tried to sound cheerful. "You called me, Chief?"

Chief Walton glared through bushy eyebrows. "Close the door."

BABY COME GET SOME (Flashing in the Gutters, June 2006) link to story

EXCERPT:

"Hey, baby, come get some!"

Allison quickened her pace and stared at the ground.

"Come on, baby, where you going?" The man moved away from the tin building.

The lanky, unkempt man sauntered closer. Allison could hear his boots dragging the graveled parking lot. She walked faster.

DEAD OF THE DAY (Writer's Post Journal, July 2006) link to WPJ

EXCERPT:

“Just stay close to me.” Sabrina stepped from the white F-150 and glanced around. When she was certain all was safe, she pulled a food basket from the back seat. Barry led her to a clearing in the picnic area and she spread a blanket on the ground. Shrill laughter caused her head to shoot upward. She scanned the picnic area. Through the trees she saw a yellow tent. A tanned girl in an orange bikini splashed in the shallow water of the river. Sabrina sighed. “At least we’re not alone in this creepy place.”

SLOW CHILDREN (Flashing in the Gutters, July 2006) link to story

EXCERPT:

Moments later, a familiar rumble brought concern to his heart and drew worry in his eyes. He looked up to ensure that Pete wasn’t on the street, and sighed in relief. The Z-71, 4×4 truck sped by and swerved into a driveway two blocks down. The driver, a young man named Drake Steele, climbed down and strutted into his mom’s house. Steve shook his head and cursed under his breath.

REVOLUTION (Flashing in the Gutters, July 2006) link to story

EXCERPT:

The large, rubber donut spun a violent revolution. Four bodies lurched forward as the donut dipped momentarily. Hands gripped the plastic handles. Toes dug into the rubber bottom. They plunged headlong down the belly of the yellow serpent. Water sprayed the two mature couples. One woman shrieked. The other smiled. The donut shot from the slide and crashed into the linear pool that marked the end of their ride down Big Bear Plunge.

TWELVE GAUGE RESCUE (Flashing in the Gutters, July 2006) link to story

EXCERPT:

The cop car sped passed Ned's vehicle and crashed through the barricade, sending chunks of his light bar and splintered wood flying. The cop car skidded to a stop several yards short of plunging over the edge of the bridge and to a certain death. The reverse lights came on and the cop car began to back up. Suddenly, a truck lurched to a stop beside Ned's vehicle. A man with a goatee and wearing faded jeans and T-shirt jumped from the driver's side and ran toward the cop car.

TOURIST ATTRACTION (Flashing in the Gutters, July 2006) link to story

EXCERPT:

Sarah handed it over and stripped to her bra and panties. She then plopped on the bed beside Kevin. When the pictures appeared on the screen, her eyes lit up. “Wow! They’re awesome!”

Kevin nodded. He scrolled through picture after picture; from the Smoky Mountains, to the streets of Gatlinburg, to Ripley’s. There were hundreds.

“I can’t wait to get some of these printed,” Sarah said. “It’s so beautiful–” Her voice trailed off. Mouth agape, she pointed to the screen. “Scroll back a few slides.”

PLAN B (Flashing in the Gutters, July 2006) link to story

EXCERPT:

Rose McCarthy pulled at her collar. Like a pin light in outer space, the faded headlights were useless against the mountainous expanse. Swallowing a nervous lump, she snatched the cell phone off the dash and speed-dialed her husband.

Chase’s voice sounded distant in her ear. “Are you close yet?”

“I don’t know. It’s so scary. I can hardly see the road and the guardrails are busted everywhere.”

FINAL DIVORCE (Writer's Post Journal, August 2006) link to WPJ

EXCERPT:

Rosalie Beard shut the suitcase and flipped the latch. “I’m sorry, but it has to be this way.” 

Jay backhanded a school of tears that slid down his face. “You mean, you’re just going to throw away six years of marriage over a lousy job?” 

“It’s not about the job. It’s about your integrity, and your ability to support me and the kids.”

ANONYMOUS CALL (Flashing in the Gutters, August 2006) link to story

EXCERPT:

The wooden camp house was indiscernible against the hazy night air. "Can't you see anything at all?"

"It's definitely a man and woman."

"No shit. I can see that much from here."

"But could you tell that the woman was topless?"

I gasped and nearly choked.

Reggie laughed. "I'm joking. I can't see shit in the fog."

SEVERED RELATIONSHIP (Amazon Shorts Program, September 2006) link to story

EXCERPT:

My Law and Order ring-tone called from the night table. I turned to walk out the bathroom, but Mallory grabbed my arm.

“Don’t even think about it.”

I licked my lips. “I just want to see who it is.”

“You’re on vacation.”

“I know, but it could be an emergency.”

“You have your own emergency right here.”

ROOFING NAILS (Writer's Post Journal, September 2006) link to WPJ

EXCERPT:

“Where’s my suitcase?”

Like the obedient wife she’d become, Sue retrieved the suitcase from the bedroom and brought it to the living room. She placed it beside Brock’s briefcase.

Brock tested both handles and grunted. “What the hell did you pack in here?”

“You said you wanted enough clothes for a week.” She held out his cell phone. “Don’t forget this.” 

THE PRICE OF GAS (Flashing in the Gutters, September 2006) link to story

EXCERPT:

Cigarettes in hand, Turner walked out into the cool evening air. A shriek drew his attention to the gasoline pumps. Toothless had Alabama pressed up against a green Mustang. She tried to push him away, but he slapped her arms down and grabbed a handful of thick breast. She tried to scream, but Toothless pressed his mouth against her face.

REMEMBER PAGE (Future's Mystery Anthology Magazine, September/October 2006) link to FMAM

EXCERPT:

I punched the timecard and shoved it back in the slot that read D. McKinley. My wristwatch read five o’clock. If I jogged most of the way, I could make it home in time to call Celeste before she and her mom left for vacation at seven. I wasn't thrilled about my ex-wife's new husband taking my six-year-old daughter to the Smoky Mountains, but my lawyer said there was nothing I could do about it.

TINY HANDS OF JUSTICE (Writer's Post Journal, October 2006) link to WPJ

EXCERPT:

Gunner straightened. His eyes grew wide and a yelp escaped his throat. He pounded the horn, but the little girl who sat in the highway didn’t seem to notice. She stared down at a piece of paper in her hands, her white dress waving against the salty breeze that blew in off the Gulf.

AVENGING BULLET (Reprint: Bewildering Stories, October 2006) link to story

EXCERPT:

Sally Taylor was in her backyard watching Mickey and Seth swim. She looked up when I approached. Her eyes were swollen and bloodshot. "Rush, it's been over a year. The twins still ask when daddy's coming home."

I sat beside her. The boys had just turned four. Etched in my brain was the memory of their tiny faces fifteen months earlier. They had stared wide-eyed when their mother collapsed to the floor while I tried to explain that I'd done everything I could to save her husband…their father…my only friend.

TURNED TO BLOOD (Flashing in the Gutters, October 2006) link to story

EXCERPT:

I hit the front door of the shop at breakneck speed and immediately button-hooked to the left. I dove behind the counter and slid to a stop beside Blondie, whose teeth chattered like a drum roll. When I questioned her with my eyes, she indicated toward the back of the store.

I motioned for her to stay down and did a quick peep over the counter. The owner was face down in his own blood. I started to lift my head a second time–

Bang!

CAMP KELLER (The Ex-Factor Anthology, October 2006) link to Koboca Publishing

EXCERPT:

The man squinted against the pelting rain. His head bobbed violently as the front of the Boston Whaler collided with the rough waves. It jarred him to the bone. He wiped the water from his face and strained to see through the sheets of water. Thunder rumbled and lightning struck nearby. His head swiveled in all directions. Everything looked the same. The woman who sat beside him gripped his arm, her face ashen. “Didn’t you check the weather? I knew this was a bad idea!”

DEATH NOTICE (The Ex-Factor Anthology, October 2006) link to Koboca Publishing

EXCERPT:

I kicked the door open and warm air gushed from the house, carrying with it a smell worse than overdone road-kill in mid-summer. I cupped my hand over my face and jumped off the wooden porch, swallowing a mouthful of vomit in the process. I spat in the grass and wiped my hand on the dry siding that cloaked my grandpa’s ancient home.

VICTIM NOTIFICATION (The Ex-Factor Anthology, October 2006) link to Koboca Publishing

EXCERPT:

Brock Ruth rubbed the back of his pale, smooth hands. He thought back to a time when they were dark and hard. Calloused from handling rough lumber and power tools. Tanned from hours of putting nails to boards in the Louisiana heat. He sighed. Those days were long gone. Never to return. And he had but one person to blame.

KILLER SAFETY (Flashshot, November 2006) link to Flashshot

EXCERPT:

“Give me the money, or I’ll kill you!” 

Bethany smiled. “That’s funny.”

HAS BEEN CONVICTED (Flashshot, November 2006) link to Flashshot

EXCERPT:

“I have a little girl,” the masked man said. “You have to move.”

FALSE POSITIVE (Reprint: Apollo's Lyre, Best of 2006 Issue, December 2006) link to story

EXCERPT:

I squeezed my eyes shut and bit away the burning in my jaw. Images of Heidi being infected by another man's poison flashed inside my head. I pounded my skull to dislodge the mental slide show, but it was no use. Heidi's playful laughter echoed like thunder; her pale face a ghostly image against the backdrop of betrayal. How could she do this to me?

AVENGING BULLET (Reprint: Bewildering Stories, Editor's Choice, 4th Quarterly Review, January 2007) link to story

EXCERPT:

Sally Taylor was in her backyard watching Mickey and Seth swim. She looked up when I approached. Her eyes were swollen and bloodshot. "Rush, it's been over a year. The twins still ask when daddy's coming home."

I sat beside her. The boys had just turned four. Etched in my brain was the memory of their tiny faces fifteen months earlier. They had stared wide-eyed when their mother collapsed to the floor while I tried to explain that I'd done everything I could to save her husband…their father…my only friend.

I RESOLVE (Fictional Musings, January 2007) link to story

EXCERPT:

“I plan to make love to Darla more,” Paul bellowed.

“Me, too,” a stranger slurred from across the room.

Paul felt his face redden. He stood to see who said it.

GETTING HIS JOB BACK (Powder Burn Flash, January 2007) link to story

EXCERPT:

“Why aren’t you happy?”

“I am.”

“You don’t look it.”

“See?” Otis Redman forced a smile and pointed to his face. “I’m happy.”

Claire threw the plastic stick across the room. “I understand your dad just died, but you don’t have to be such a prick!”

THE DETECTIVE'S WIFE (Chippewa Publishing, January 2007) link to Chippewa Publishing

EXCERPT:

I watched as Landry stared down at his worn boots. He had long, matted hair and wore rough clothes. The side door to the interview room opened and a patrolman walked in. Pete looked up and I saw his face for the first time. The wrinkles were deep and his eyes squinting. He had about a year’s worth of growth on his face. Forget the confession…this guy looked like a killer. The patrolman motioned for Pete to stand. Pete held the desk for support and stood to his feet. He grimaced and slouched over.

I asked Malcolm about the cut on Pete Landry’s lip and the blood on his scruffy beard.

“He took a swing at me.” Malcolm rubbed the back of his hand. “You know how it goes.”

REPEAT OFFENDER (Muzzle Flash, January 2007) link to story

EXCERPT:

“Dispatch, 136, shots fired! 326 Joyce Street, two subjects down, a woman and child. Suspect is victim’s estranged husband, Garrett Wilson, white male, brown shirt, blue jeans. Armed and dangerous!”

I knew the address. Had been there three times on domestics, arrested the shit-bag husband twice. Of course, arresting him didn’t do much good. His dad kept getting him off. The old man had connections. I spat out the window. Sounds like things finally came to a head!

THE LOYAL FAN (Muzzle Flash, February 2007) link to story

EXCERPT:

I glared at Melvin. “Are you going soft on me?”

“Someone could get killed. Why don’t we just take a bat to his knees? That way, we control the extent of the injury and still accomplish our goal.”

BLOOD PURSUIT (Reprint: Bewildering Stories, February 2007) link to Bewildering Stories

EXCERPT:

The man stood slowly to his feet. Before he could react, I shot a stiff jab that snapped his head back. I followed up with a hard right to his chin and watched him collapse to the porch floor. As he lay on the floor, I bent and grasped a handful of his mask and ripped it violently from his head. I dragged him to the edge of the porch, where the moonlight shone brightly, and pushed his head back. When the light splashed against his face, I jerked back and nearly fell over.

BEATING INTERRUPTED (Muzzle Flash, February 2007) link to story

EXCERPT:

I glared at Melvin. “Are you going soft on me?”

“Someone could get killed. Why don’t we just take a bat to his knees? That way, we control the extent of the injury and still accomplish our goal.”

HOLSTER (Nefarious, February 2007) link to story

EXCERPT:

The instructor faced his students. “Has everyone purchased their holsters?”

BEAR ILLEGAL (Reprint: Bewildering Stories, March 2007) link to Bewildering Stories

EXCERPT:

Rebecca held her breath.  Her legs trembled.  She squinted in order to get a better—

“What the hell are you doing?” boomed Curry’s voice.

Rebecca squealed and the figure bolted into the depths of darkness that surrounded the isolated campsite.  She sank to the floor of the tent.

FINAL LEVEL (Spinetingler Magazine, Spring 2007) link to Spinetingler Magazine

EXCERPT:

Russell Allen looked across the table at his wife.

Cassie shook her head, freckled cheeks reddening. “Are you going to do something about it, or am I?”

The triple stomp from upstairs made the kitchen lights blink. Russell sighed. “I’ve got it.” His tired legs carried him up the stairs and into his son’s room.

FROM OUT OF THE DARKNESS (Nefarious, April 2007) link to story

EXCERPT:

"I’ve had enough!” shouted the detective. “If you don’t tell me where the evidence is, I’ll beat it out of you!”

SMELLS LIKE RAIN (Reprint: Nefarious, May 2007) link to story

EXCERPT:

Bill nodded and broke into a stumbling jog. When he neared the crime scene area, thunder crashed and lightning flashed nearby. The suddenness of it startled Bill and he lost his footing. Preston watched in horror as Bill fought to retain his balance, but it was futile. His feet slipped out from under him. He fell face forward and crashed through the raincoats and onto the body. The force of the fall knocked Preston and Elvin sprawling.

GETTING UGLY (Reprint: Nefarious, May 2007) link to story

EXCERPT:

Things were about to get ugly — and there was nothing I could do about it. Jimmy pushed Buddy Gilmore against the wall and Steve hit him across the face with his slapjack. A scream ripped from Buddy’s throat and he fell to the ground. “I didn’t do it!” Buddy cried. “For God’s sake, it wasn’t me!”

WINTER'S WHISPER (Amazon Shorts Program, June 2007) link to story

EXCERPT:

“Are you sure they only want fifty thousand for this place?”

I nodded and stared in awe at the faded Victorian home; the wrap-around porch with its scrolled woodwork, large bay window out front, mahogany door with long brass handle, lattice-work choked by ivies, lush flower beds cuddling the base of the house. “It looks even better than on the Internet.”

Abigail dropped from the F-250 and walked toward the back of the house. “Something has to be wrong with this place, going for that cheap.”

I followed, trying to take in everything at once. The house was centered on two acres of manicured property and surrounded on all sides by dense forestland. A large garden stood proudly in the backyard and a water fountain nestled amidst a cluster of crape myrtles. “It’s got to be haunted.”

WHY ME (Flashshot, June 2007) link to Flashshot

EXCERPT:

“Why not you?”

BUFORD'S PRIDE (Flashshot, June 2007) link to Flashshot

EXCERPT:

SWAT cop Buford Mann rushed through the battered door. “Get down!”

The surprised drug dealers, along with three small children, dropped to the ground. Sadly, the kids knew the drill.

SMELLS LIKE RAIN (Reprint: Bewildering Stories, July 2007) link to story  

EXCERPT:

Bill nodded and broke into a stumbling jog. When he neared the crime scene area, thunder crashed and lightning flashed nearby. The suddenness of it startled Bill and he lost his footing. Preston watched in horror as Bill fought to retain his balance, but it was futile. His feet slipped out from under him. He fell face forward and crashed through the raincoats and onto the body. The force of the fall knocked Preston and Elvin sprawling.

FEAR OF SELF (Flashshot, July 2007) link to Flashshot

EXCERPT:

“Will anyone see us?”

“Nobody comes here anymo