Kindle Edition
Amazon
Karen J Hicks
Amazon
Bookfinder
Category:
Drama
Publisher: Kindle Direct
ISBN-10: none
Type: Fiction
Pages: 136
Copyright: Aug 3, 2020
ISBN-13: 9798672421711
Price: $2.99 (eBook)
A collection of 15 short stories.
Fifteen stories range from mysteries to lost loves to domestic challenges, and humor. The author uses O'Henry-style irony and surprise endings, as well as sprinkling of fantasy, to jolt the senses.
The story "Where's George?" comes from a 1992 missing person case the author collaborated with the UNSOLVED MYSTERIES TV show to investigate. The rest of the tales are straight from an off-beat imagination.
The book is a fast-paced read that will make you laugh and cry and ponder the world.
Excerpt
FIFI
My nose itches. I wiggle it desperately, not daring to move. I can already hear the skittish scratchings on the cobblestone and Marinda's voice.
"Now Fifi," she says. "Don't stray too far from mama."
Fifi. What kind of a name is that for a good American dog? And mama? Ha!
Marinda wouldn't even discuss the son I wanted. Had her hands full with Fifi she said. Well, what good was a wife who wouldn't give her husband a son? And what possible good was a dog only four inches tall, with kinky grey hair, beady little eyes, and an ugly, squished nose? For six months I had been unable to come up with any positive answers to those questions, so that is why I am here, sitting in a lawn chair partly hidden by the thick lilac bushes that line our driveway, quietly waiting.
The prancing sounds grow louder, and Marinda's tinkling laughter grates on my nerves.
In just a moment they will start up the driveway and see me. Marinda will stare at my face and scoop the dog up in a protective hold. That is the moment I've dreamed about. Planned for. My foot will move just a little just enough to jerk the nylon cord wrapped around it. The rifle, carefully rigged in the bushes, will explode on target.
My fingers ache from clenching the arms of the chair. My nose still itches. I don't breathe as the shadows move into range. Marinda stops, sees me, corrals the dog right on cue.
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