When Benny first spied the new bicycle in the kitchen, the surprise so blindsided him, even on his birthday, that he thought it was a cruel joke. He’d grown to expect his dreams to stay out of reach, yet there… Continue Reading
“We like to think of them as new-life undergarments, Mr. Byrd,” Cynthia the saleswoman proclaimed as she held up one of the latest Brainies (a Chess Master Brainie) by the sleeves, “for the simple reason that they can change your… Continue Reading
Laughing Larry earned his nickname by being the most miserable soul in Shoreditch. He was not a philanthropist. He was not an animal lover. So when I saw him lobbing a beefsteak over a ten foot wall I was interested.… Continue Reading
Carter probably shouldn’t have taken it. Better judgment, reason, instinct — hell, even conscience had all told him no, that grabbing this wasn’t worth the trouble, that the fence wouldn’t even be able to move it. Of course, Carter took… Continue Reading
Brad’s car cruised to a halt on the empty country lane adjacent to Leon Whale’s pumpkin field. A plump full moon rode high in the night sky, casting deep shadows around everything it touched. In the pallid moonlight, even from… Continue Reading
Emily, Martha and the other three from the boost crew got out of van for the fourth time this morning. They were at a CVS parking lot. Martha looked at her sister, “All I said was I wanted to join… Continue Reading
Maud turned up her hearing aid to eavesdrop on the blazing row. Raised voices blasted through the second-hand bookshop. Insults poisoned the morning air. Maud cherished each stinging word, her eyes sparkling with mischief. I sense an opportunity, she thought,… Continue Reading
I was six years old when I was branded a thief. You understand that I don’t mean literally branded — I escaped that! I mean I was caught red-handed with stolen goods. There was no doubt but I was guilty.… Continue Reading