Finster Drummand was nodding off. He was on stage, awaiting the cue for his line. The so-called star of the show Edelle Priceworthy was droning on as she had for three hundred consecutive nights. A pretty face and ample bosom could unfortunately go far in this world. Finster had been in the theatre most of … Read moreA Trick of the Limelight
The name Everlasting Coals was emblazoned on Denton’s fleet of service vans. The vans were wrapped in vinyl decals portraying hot embers in a fireplace. The vans looked like they were made of molten metal, but were supposed to represent a cozy hearth. Denton’s company installed and repaired fireplaces, and the name was consistent with … Read moreWild Things and a Pure Heart
Howard closed the front door behind him and headed to the bedroom. He slipped off his loafers and slacks, and hung the carefully folded pants on a varnished hanger. Still donning his black socks, he padded to the kitchen to mix a vodka and tonic: two ice cubes, a jigger and a half of vodka, … Read moreSubstitute Violence
“Just relax.” “I don’t want to relax.” “Injuries are worse if you’re tense.” “What injuries?” “Look, just try to relax and you’ll have a better time.” Andrew was trying to get calm his brother Chad before his first downhill long board ride. It was dawn at the top of Bogus Basin Road and the other … Read moreFree Falling
Kent and Reynold snuggled in the bulldozer, struggling to stay warm during the North Dakota winter. They were there for work in the shale oil fields, but couldn’t find any affordable housing. Workers rotated through the fields every six months, and any apartment, trailer, spare room, shack, basement or abandoned car had a long waiting … Read moreIt’s The Little Things
The inside of Elli’s car glimmered orange light as she lit up her cigarette, and took a long, deep pull of smoke. The engine had been running for half an hour but no heat came from the vent; just the smell of burning. She pulled her coat up around her neck and sucked again on … Read moreNews of the Wild