“What are these big fishes daddy?” The man followed the girl’s finger and looked at the board next to the tank. “They’re a kind of shark, darling, I think.” “What kind of shark?” “I don’t know,” he replied. “This one only tells us about rays – those big fishes that look like kites.” “Oh,” the […]
Disappeared
The screen door opened before the sheriff’s foot even hit the floor. Somewhere in the house, a dog barked. “Sheriff Nicholls,” Mrs Trotter nodded. She was thin, sunburned lines etched into her face. “Good afternoon Mrs Trotter.” He made a small wave with one hand and got out of the car. “What can I do […]
Behind The Scenes: Ginger, Zebra and Our World
I’ve been getting a bit lazy with these of late, so as it was Wednesday, here they are… As always, read the stories first if you want to avoid spoilers – I have linked the stories to the titles. Ginger This one changed a lot between the first and second drafts. For one thing, I […]
Our World
The nurse at the emergency room reception heard a woman grunt at her and looked up from the keyboard. “Can I help you?” she asked. “Helen Styles,” the woman said. “I believe you brought in my husband, Tom Styles?” “Let me look,” the nurse replied, and searched on the computer. Helen tutted, shifting her bag […]
Zebra
“He’s standing there again,” Tilly pointed out the window. “Oh Tilly,” Brenda sighed. “Another reporter?” “No,” she said. “He’s not, mother. Come and look.” Sighing, Brenda got up from the kitchen table, carrying her coffee in one hand. “Must be some sort of Paparazzi, I expect,” Brenda said. Tilly turned her head. “I know paps […]
Ginger
You know how you’re walking down the street one day, and you spot something. Not something big, like a road accident, or a bank robbery, but just something small. Just one of those niggles that, while it doesn’t make things better, it doesn’t really make things that much worse. A broken piece of pavement you […]
Behind The Scenes: September
No I haven’t forgotten about this, it’s just been a busy few weeks… Not only have I been working on these but possible submissions to two other places as well, neither of which have panned out. Still, I suppose the good thing about these pieces is that if anyone ever asks me where I get […]
Trust Me
The hypnotist leaned over the table and turned on the recorder. “Bennett Mason,” he said into the microphone. “Monday, September the 24th, seven twelve P M. Eliot Hunter, past life regression session number fourteen.” Mason’s mouth twitched into a smile as he sat back down. “What do you see, Eliot?” he asked. Hunter moaned. “Trust […]
Nicola’s Neighbour
Ben parked the van outside the apartment block and looked at his watch. “Two hours and a half,” he said. “Not too bad for packing your entire life into a van.” Nicola adjusted her woolly hat and shook her head. “Can’t believe I’ve left that old place though.” “Well, at least you own this one.” […]
Security
Nothing was happening. Eric looked at the clock. Just past midnight. Another six hours before even the early morning cleaners turned up. He yawned. Looking at the desk, his mug was empty. Time for another drink. He picked up his radio and buzzed it. “Marco, where are you?” There was a brief hiss of static. […]