Commemoration of the Faithful Departed by Steve Pease Ask any established businessman to list his chief bugbears. Chances, are he’ll include accounting, invoicing, and logistics. The devil, of course, is in the details. How do you calculate and …
Fog by Stephen Sottong The 6:00 a.m. traffic report blared from the clock radio. Yet another wreck at the intersection of the Harbor and San Diego Freeways. Jeff sat up in bed, and he squinted at the milky …
When It Was Ripe by Evan Dicken Trina was listening to the radio when the stars disappeared. She was out of her cabin in a flash, the dew-covered grass cool on her bare feet as she sprinted past …
For Old Times’ Sake by Geoff Gander Sarah studied the balding, broad-shouldered man dipping a biscotti into his coffee and smiled. “Facebook didn’t lie. You don’t look bad after 30 years,” she said. Frank looked up and straightened. …
Nativity by Frances Silversmith “Meow.” Kris ignored the cat and continued to stare at her cup of Wassail. A tear dropped into the drink. Her divorce had gone through yesterday. After two years of separation, it shouldn’t hurt …
He Kindly Stopped for Me by Fraser Sherman “I’m sorry we don’t have anything but Quizno’s.” Mandy crossed the living room at a fast clip to hand Death a metal tray holding a roast beef sub, chips, and …
Rosemary’s Baby Shower by Ken MacGregor Another perfect woman breezed past Rosemary. “You’re glowing!” Janet said over her shoulder as she crossed the room to add her silver-wrapped box to the mountain of gifts. Rosemary smiled at Janet’s …
Were by Frances Silversmith He wakes up shivering, lying naked on an animal hide spread on the snow-covered ground. His groping hands find another uncured pelt. He wraps himself in it, despite the thing’s stink. Huddled up, careful …
When White Roses Freeze by Amy Power Jansen Her love turned cold when he left. I felt it as soon as I touched the handle of the bedroom door. Even as I pressed down, willed the door to …
The Wax Anatomist’s Daughter by Deborah Walker I was applying pustules onto an arm when Ma emerged from the partition. “Come and see. I think you’re going to be surprised, Molly,” she said, grabbing my hand and leading …
