Literary Fiction
(Fic)
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"Welcome to My Garden" is multi-themed in its content. Short stories are a venue for discovery. As a writer, they provide a wonderful playground to experiment and to learn. The value of words and phrases take on a poetic significance in their brevity of deep meaning. In each ending, a seed is planted for the possibility of a novel. Photos were the medium I used to challenge and exhilarate my imagination; the grist so-to-speak, to discover the story hidden within. "Sounds interesting!"
Four hours he had made her practice! Four goddamn hours! Until she defiantly screamed out: “Papa! I don’t want to be a ballerina! I will never be one! Do you hear? Never!” Stomping her foot, she crossed her arms tightly across her chest and purposely took on a belligerent stance. The room flooded with anger so palpable it almost smothered her with its intensity. Attempting to flee ahead of him, she lost as he caught her in mid-flight and began to shake and hit her. Too ...
Chapter Two
Without A Trace
God! How she had come to loathe him since she had lost her job a month ago. Lack of money was the only thing he constantly complained about and this evening had quickly gone from bad to darn-right dangerous. She had never seen him so drunk and physically abusive. Lying on the floor, she wiped the blood from her nose and mouth with the corner of a dish cloth, watching him pace between her and the stove. She feared he would slam his construction boot into her belly; she winced and curled into a...
Chapter Three
Alistair McBubble
Alistair McBubble was born to Florrie and Hugh on March 14, 2013 at precisely 9:47:15 A.M. After delivery, Doctor McAlister completed a few preliminary tests and assured them that Alistair was indeed spherical in shape. “Ur ye sure? Florrie asked. “Without that shape …well…ay don’t want tae…That shape ensures he has the minimum surface energy and the—“ “Lowest ratio of surface area tae volume,” interjected Dr. McAlister. “...
Chapter Four
Natalie's Fossil Specimen
Natalie picked up the fragment and began to examine it. With the help of her small magnifying glass she scrutinized it more closely before dropping it into her specimen satchel. She called out to the other two members of her team: “John! Mike! Anything yet?” John looked at Mike, who was busily digging below the rocky surface. “Mike?” Mike shook his head and continued digging. “Nothing, Natalie. And, you?” Pushing her glasses back into position on ...
Chapter Five
An Unlikely Hero
Virginia sat at the edge of her bed and re-read the letter from the White House. Looking up, she watched the young lieutenant through the open bedroom door, her thumb gently gliding across President Truman’s signature several times. She noticed his impatience had become more noticeable as he awaited her reply in the living-room. Sighing deeply, she thought: There can only be the one reply—any other would be foolhardy and dangerous. Looking at her legs, she remembered how her li...
The Lysander made a washboard landing in the field beside an old farmhouse. “Thank you for this, George,” Jill yelled over the drone of the plane’s engine as he brought it to a stop. She stretched over and gave him a peck on the cheek. “That’s payment enough. Let’s hope…” She had known George since…well…she couldn’t recollect when she didn’t know him. “Me too,” she interjected, sighing. “Nast...
Chapter Seven
"Lamentation"
Christopher and Adam were deliriously giddy in October 2004 as they splashed accelerant onto the floors and walls of the main block of Hafodunos Hall—a residence in disrepair since 1993. The glint in their eyes was nothing short of evil as their lighted matches hit the floor. Flames licking hungrily at their heels, they didn’t stop running until they knew they were safe. Cheating death for profit had become a ritual as they flopped down on the slope for a smoke to admire their handiwork...
Sylvia stopped half way down the stairs and let the music from the piano flow through her, gently kissing the shores of her soul. Her step softened as she descended to the bottom of the stairs and glided across the floor to the living room where the piano tuner tested the results of his art. Standing in the entranceway she watched Jameson’s hands dance across the keys breathing life back into the Heintzman she had bought barely a month ago at an estate auction. She had met Jameson at the part...
Chapter Nine
It All Began One Night
It all began with a thought, a question and an ability to act. “Damn! DAMN!” Edgar rolled over and pulled the pillow tightly over his head to block out the sounds of passing vehicles. Their ‘country home,’ as they called it, was only large enough for Edgar Junior’s crib and the two of them, provided they didn’t want to sit down. “Are you alright, dear?” whispered his wife, Liliane. “Oh…I didn’t mean to…”...
Chapter Ten
Time Drains Through Days
In rustling of leaves and beauty of Fall, stands a quintessential hominess. A classic perennial charm, few among the things, that touch the heart like the white picket fence. A simple iconic structure, its boundary effectiveness assured, embraces warmth and welcoming to the weary traveler who, on homeward bound, passes through its gate. Time drains through days as through the body flows. Where change unnoticed befor...
Chapter Eleven
Another Row He Goes
Crooked fingers steer ahead. Another row he goes. Spinal entrails trail behind, like autumn’s earth before. Dreams—long in tooth— like swirling leaves scattered in their fateful flight. Each clouded breath’s opportunity misspent words for blight. Another row he goes. Naked truths, fingers point. Another row he goes. Furrowed brow, windows cracked. Another row he goes. Leathered skin pierced sharply...
Chapter Twelve
The Duckling Makes A Stand
Morning programs for young children are quite enlightening. Squeals of delight from my granddaughter, Zoe, drew me willingly in like a magnet one morning, overwhelmed as I was to learn what captured her interest. Over an hour we cuddled together, a special time indeed. The make-believe world she shared with me was filled to overflowing with creativity, a wonderland of learning so subtly immersive and deep. When we parted, I knew I had taken something away, tangible and yet not tangible. Nevertheless, I k...
Chapter Thirteen
The Concert
“It’s not like them,” I said, perturbed by their tardiness. I sank into my jacket like a tortoise into its shell. “It’s so freaking cold my face feels like one huge boil.” “Huh?” Mark replied, embracing himself and flapping his hands against his shoulders and stamping his feet to keep warm. I shook my head and turned away. “Ah…forget it.” “You should have dressed warmer,” he retorted, restlessly surveying the ...
Chapter Fourteen
Lunch At Zoe's
“Life’s short, eat dessert first,” my friend said to me as we perused the menu in Zoe’s Lounge at the Chateau Laurier in downtown Ottawa. Both chocoholics, our eyes had already wolfed down the lavishly decadent chocolate lava cake shown in the dessert section of the menu. We shared one of those knowing smiles that said nothing, yet everything. You know the kind—the illusion of shared mutual understanding. Did she know? I thought to myself. Could she not see it in my eyes? Is...
Chapter Fifteen
A Granddaughter's Visit
“That’s where the crib dock used to be,” he said, pointing at the single, well-worn cedar post that reached upwards from a rock cluster on the shore. “Your great-grandfather made it with the help of his neighbours.” His chair faced the large living-room picture window that overlooked the fresh waters of the rocky shoreline of Georgian Bay, two hours north of Toronto. On the arm of his chair sat his eight-year-old granddaughter, Emma, whose arm was draped across his sho...
Chapter Sixteen
Oops! I Must Have Been Outta My Mind!
It was 4:00 A.M. Rain smashed against the bedroom window; howling winds pushed tree branches to and fro along the siding like fingernails across a chalkboard. Too driven by daily routine to remain spooned against my wife, I carefully, so as not to disturb her, slid out of the comfort of our warm bed and into my slippers. Grabbing my dressing gown from the chair beside the door I put it on before heading downstairs. I stared out the living room window. Ugh! Depressing, I thought. ...
Chapter Seventeen
A Coming Storm
Thunder! The storm clouds gather. A grosbeak valiantly circles overhead. When this journey began, my hope was painted against an azure sky when the sun was high and the scent of pine and meadow flowers copiously filled the air. Many times I have stood at the forest’s edge and let the sweetness and magic of its promise draw me in. But, today, I hear distant drums heralding a coming storm, it marches across the glen. Have I languished too long? Will my peaceful tranquility fee...
Chapter Eighteen
An Indiscretion
“Where are you going?” I dared to ask as I watched her put on her boots. “Out,” she retorted. I glanced at the window. “Winter’s on the war path. Are you sure that’s a wise choice?” A cavalcade of chills rippled up my backside. “You’ll barely see beyond your nose. You’ll get lost.” She peered at me through a curtain of auburn hair. Whatever she was about to say I could tell she was sizing me up for impact. You get t...
Chapter Nineteen
View From Below An Ivory Towered Window
Yesterday changed everything. Where do I go? What do I do? Questions scratched on a wall before the abyss. Once my Springs were full of scented flowers and warm gentle breezes; they flowed like honey for me. Daily, from golden cups, I copiously drank their intoxicating mixture of nectar and life’s festive dream. I had made it. Atop my perch upon the mountain I felt safe. Then the winds thundered through and toppled the oak tree. What now? Why ...
Chapter Twenty
The Witch Beneath Lake Huron
Today, I have finally returned. I thought it had only been three years since I was last here but my neighbors, John and Ruth, just told me it’s been eight. They said they had pictures to prove it. My askance expression must have been the reason that they pressed their point so vehemently. Ruffling their feathers was definitely not part of my agenda nor, I must add, was perusing photos I knew too well. Still, John’s Type A personality pressed the issue forward as he entered his cot...
Chapter Twenty-One
How Life Can Change on the Go
My day begins in darkness and ends in darkness. The bitter damp wind off Lake Ontario makes me want to hibernate till spring. After another lousy day at work, I was looking forward to some respite on the train ride home. In the middle of quarterly reporting, my mind was abuzz with checking and rechecking the numbers spewed out by our computer. Always a hectic time, it was especially so for me because of my recent advancement to the numero one honcho of this section. The constant flurry of activity in my ...
Chapter Twenty-Two
Trolling with Wordsworth
Hardly able to contain myself, I stepped down from the driver’s side and took in several heaping lung filling breaths of the sweet pine air. Memories of my childhood made me giggle in its rush. “It feels so good to be here again. Don’t you think, Julie? It’s been far too long. Aaah-oooooooooooooh! Aaah-ooooooooooooooh!” “What the hell are you doing?” She asked as she exited the passenger side of the vehicle. “It’s my wolf call.&rdquo...
Chapter Twenty-Three
Once Upon A Morning
Black coffee is my elixir for the morning blahs. Not a morning person, I am quite happy to hermit myself away in the den to suck on my over-sized mug of coffee and to read the morning newspaper quietly. It’s not that I’m a growly bear or anything close to it because I think of myself as being quite amiable and pleasant to be with during this time. I just don’t engage in conversation other than the pleasantry of an occasional grunt or nod. You see, for conversation to be even remotely co...
Chapter Twenty-Four
Zahra and Aagif
Aaqif rolled onto his side and reached out. The impression left by her body was filled with cool warmth and the lingering sweetness of her scent. He feigned sleep. Through the slits in his eyelids he watched her at the bedroom window. She glanced at him. Then, she turned back. Etched on the window pane was the mirror image of her face as she peered upon a landscape she did not see. Seating his head upon the palm of his hand, he called out her name softly: “Zahra.” Had sh...
Chapter Twenty-Five: Part One
Joan Sledge: One Spring Day
Spring had arrived early and, along with it, hopes that our home team, the Milwaukee Braves, would take the World Series again. Last year was the first time they had won the pennant since moving from Boston in 1953. A cornucopia of scent wafted through the open window. Riding its gentle warm breeze like sweetness from heaven were spicy dianthus, the heavy scent of gardenia, nicotiana, lily-of-the-valley and lilac. My mom had taught me well and as she had promised, identifying those blossoms and mor...
Chapter Twenty-Six: Part Two
Joan Sledge: Brother's Advice
There is nothing like the first love. I remember reading something about it. Unfortunately, I can’t remember the name of the book. I do wish I’d paid closer attention. Never felt feelings like these before. When I’m with her my senses are so charged up I think I will explode. Who knows about stuff like this? I’d ask my closest bud, Tony, but he still thinks girls are yucky. I can’t imagine that my parents would know the slightest thing about it. It’s too personal ...
Chapter Twenty-Seven: Part Three
Joan Sledge: The Birthday Party
Damn my brother! Until our little talk, breaking up with Joan had never crossed my mind. Unfortunately for me, that possibility has managed to weasel itself into my daily thoughts. Now it’s stuck in place with Crazy glue. I thought the summer was filled with promise. In a way, I guess, I still do. Except now it’s tainted. Damn him anyway! Caught in a conundrum to tell her or not, I finally decided on the latter. I had convinced myself that all this nasty stuff needed to play itself out.<...
Chapter Twenty-Eight: Part Four
Joan Sledge: New Realities
Some people are alive only because it’s illegal to kill them. In my book, Chris Brannon fell into that category. So, when I turned to face him and saw the way he looked at Joan and her at him, I couldn’t help myself. My fist slammed squarely into his mocking face. It was with great satisfaction that I watched him hit the floor like a ton of bricks. Up until then, I prided myself in having a handle on life; now, that handle was broken. And I feared my hand was as well. From J...
Chapter Twenty-Nine: Part Five
Joan Sledge: The Mucky Duck
Ouch! It was totally unexpected. Her home form lockers should not have been anywhere near mine. Yet, there she was, five lockers down from me. I couldn’t help but think that it was going to be an ugly school year. She smiled. I smiled back. She spoke to me but I neither remember what she said nor what I said to her. The exchange was cordial enough but awkward, similar to strangers forced together in a social setting out of their control. But, we were far from being strangers. Or was I wrong?<...
Chapter Thirty
Each Seed that Grows
A quote by Robert Fulghum from his book All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten has special meaning for me: “Every person passing through this life will unknowingly leave something and take something away. Most of this “something” cannot be seen or heard or numbered or scientifically detected or counted. It’s what we leave in the minds of other people and what they leave in ours. Memory. The census doesn’t count it. Nothing counts wit...
Chapter Thirty-One
Transitions
Thick grey ominous clouds floated languidly overhead. The outstretched straw-colored fields pushed against the swollen pond whose overflow like a ribbon ran across the open land scarring its surface. Coniferous, once center stage in a winter of white, is forced aside by buds on fingers and arms of hopeful deciduous striving to meet spring’s promise. Tucked in their shaded background, tail-end snow lingered. Winter’s wind, unwilling to decease, lays a white veil hardened by s...
Chapter Thirty-Two
On Becoming
Hare. Hare. Please don’t stare As you peer outside your lair. I bring you no harm, There’s no need for alarm. Still as could be, his ears perked high. And I wondered what it may imply. A step closer I went. His nose wiggled with scent. Then in the blink of an eye, this indeed is no lie, he was gone. At the hole he went down there was a shinny gold crown and a note he had left for me. “Strive boldly with ...
Chapter Thirty-Three
Any Road'll Take You
“If you don’t know where you’re going, any road’ll take you there.” George Harrison, Cloud Nine Risks are inherent to all author choices. I believe that’s what makes writing an exhilarating experience. It goes beyond the practical head stuff and reaches deep down into the soul. But, most importantly, you must be brave enough to fail. Failure must never define you; you must define failure. Failure is a learning tool that helps you mature in your endeavors an...
Chapter Thirty-Four
The Murder of Arthur Brodley: Part One
The English south coastal resort of Bournemouth in 1939 had a population of 130,000. The natural beauty of its cliffs and the wide sweep of its bay embraced a magic carpet of sand while the Bourne stream—fringed with parkland and public gardens—stretched into the heart of the coastal community. Bournemouth’s outstanding characteristic and attraction was its breadth of view and openness. Perhaps that’s why psychic, medium, spiritualist, mental healer, psycho-analyst, folklori...
Chapter Thirty-Five
The Murder of Arthur Brodley: Part Two
Anger and disappointment blinded Joseph ‘Philly’ Morris to the tranquil beauty of the parkland and public gardens alongside the Bourne River. It was 8:15 p.m. And he needed a drink. The few pence he had in his pocket were barely enough to buy him cigarettes. Seeing a bench ahead, he picked up his pace. When he reached it, he stopped and sat down, pulling out the packet containing his last two cigarettes from his shirt pocket. With a well rehearsed jerk of the hand, he popped up one of the cig...
Chapter Thirty-Six
The Murder of Arthur Brodley: Part Three
The call came through to his home at 4:00 A. M. Putting on his slippers, Collier grabbed his robe from the foot of the bed. The bedroom was still in total darkness as he made his way across the room to the door. His wife, Lila, mumbled something incoherent, but he encouraged her to go back to sleep. By the time he reached the bottom of the stairs the phone was into its fifth ring. The telephone was in the alcove under the steps. He cleared his throat and picked up the receiver: “Chief Inspector Col...
Chapter Thirty-Seven
The Murder of Arthur Brodley: Part Four
Entering the summer of 1939, the people of Bournemouth were too busy having a good time to worry about Hitler. Some had even strapped a sign to the boot of their vehicle which read: Half A Mo’ Hitler Let’s Have Our Holidays First. For those who lived there and the holiday-seekers who would arrive, collectively, they wanted the same, respite from contemplation of the worst. For them, this summer would be a joy-filled time of suspension, free from thoughts of the approaching winds of war.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
The Murder of Arthur Brodley: Part Five
The weeks passed quickly and by Saturday, August 19, 1939, news about the murder of Arthur Brodley and related stories with respect to the capture and incarceration of his murderer, Joseph ‘Philly’ Morris, had slipped into the middle pages of the "Echo." Throughout most of the month, the Monte Carlo Ice show, Akhbar’s Indian show, complete with a levitating woman, Max Miller, who was considered to be the rudest comedian that ever lived, and the crowning of Miss Betty Meadus as Queen of ...
Chapter Thirty-Nine
An Unexpected Gift
Two months had passed since Tom’s death and, like a leech, the numbed emptiness Sylvia felt continued to suck out purposefulness from her life; while the humdrum of her daily life had become imprisoned within a brew of forlorn desperation and debilitating remorse. Life’s self-scripted past echoed its hallowed naked emptiness and negative untruths while it subversively gained unheralded success and, unwonted, supplanted what should have been the bright promise that adheres to a day’s sun...
Chapter Forty
Two Weeks in January: Sheila
“I just don’t get it.” I remember thinking those very words, hours, maybe minutes, maybe even seconds after I first met her. I was engaged at the time and comfortably secure in the direction my world was heading. But, unbeknown to me, I was about to learn an important life lesson. This story begins two years before I met her because, as it turned out, I had to meet someone else first. After I graduated from high school I had no idea what I wanted to do. My dad had died...
Chapter Forty-One
Two Weeks in January: The Sandwich
I glanced at the menu pinned on the wall. Digging deep into my pant pocket I could only come up with enough change, a buck twenty-five to be exact, to order a lousy rubber cheese sandwich on white with lettuce and mayonnaise. I watched as Sheila slammed the iceberg lettuce into the cutting board, cut-off stem down. Then she removed the stem’s stock and peeled off the lettuce leaves. I had never seen anyone do that before and, as a result, I found it quite fascinating. And I told her so. Sheila smil...
Chapter Forty-Two
Two Weeks in January: "...Ummm..."
I can accept that life has its ups and downs, but I had not expected my week to begin with the latter. If faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen, then that definition still held true by the middle of the week because I had lots of hope, but I still had not seen Sheila. It had rained overnight and, as a result, Thursday morning was depressingly muggy. The good part: the sun hung in a cloudless sky. The bad part: I did not want to go to work. So, when I boarded th...
Chapter Forty-Three: Two Weeks in January
Indelible Memories
Since my arrival, I had entered the restaurant several times to check for her presence. We had agreed to meet at the Hard Rock Café at 5 p.m. Had I got it wrong? I peered at my watch. It was already five-thirty. We did talk about the Uptown, I recalled. But I’m sure we agreed on the Biltmore cinema. My gaze stretched across Yonge and Dundas Streets to the Biltmore’s marquee: “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” Cigarette smoke and stale cigarette but...
Chapter Forty-Four: Two Weeks in January
Borscht
A hint of earthiness filled the morning air as each new day transitioned to a colder and dimmer venue. Most evenings fulfilled their threat of rain, giving a whole new meaning to the city’s name, Waterloo. At the end of September, trees for the most part remained clothed in green while others, splashed with color, hinted at what lie ahead. Two weeks later, a riot of color suddenly appeared making my cycling to and through campus a kaleidoscopic experience. Vibrant colored leaves showered my route, ...
Chapter Forty-Five
Life's Like That
I’ve heard that bad things come in groups of three. To me that was nothing more than a bunch of malarkey. Sure, I accepted the adage that life is ‘what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.’ But, neatly packed up and delivered in threes? Now, that’s stretching the imagination. At least, that’s what I thought until the week of my wedding. It all started on a Tuesday morning about five years ago. I was trimming my beard and mustache and rehearsing my...
Chapter Forty-Six
My Mind's Eye
A picture says a thousand words but what if I were blind? Would the photo framed and hanging there keep its words confined? If I were born that way, how would each image be assigned? Images formed in my mind must certainly be redesigned. Touch would guide my mind if I were so inclined. But distant nature’s best can only be aligned Through the carefully crafted words on an artist’s canvass assigned. Gently she takes my hand an elixir in demand An...
Chapter Forty-Seven
"Grace to Glory"
The azure sky and the heat from the blistering sun at his back was a welcome blessing and felt good. He stretched every part of his body that he could while he examined the hull of the Nervana. His schooner was forced out of necessity to dock at this small port of West Bay, Nova Scotia. He feared repairs would be less than the standard he expected, and the time spent longer than he wished. Five days max, he thought, as he searched the dockyard to negotiate with tradesmen skilled enoug...
Chapter Forty-Eight
Piano Man
James W. Howell glanced up at the tall building. At one time he had occupied one of the corner offices at the top. He pulled up the collar of his well-worn overcoat to ward off the chill in the air. People brushed by him as if he did not exist. For the twenty years he had walked Wall Street there had been much fanfare. Now nothing. He had risen to the top of the corporate ladder. Once his word had been gold. Lots of money had been invested and exchanged when he spoke. The reflection in the glass window l...
Chapter Forty-Nine
Sid: Part One
He showed up at my back door looking for food about eight years ago. His demeanour was quite pleasant, and his eyes had a magnetic playfulness about them. Briefly, I listened to his woeful account of tough times, though I must admit, I did not understand a word that he said. Not wanting to encourage such a beggar-like theme on my property nor be swayed by his gentle persuasive nature, I mustered up my best empathetic smile, shook my head, and gently closed the door and returned to reading the local paper...
Chapter Fifty
Aidan: Part One: Through the Mist
It is I who is to blame. AYOH, the land of my ancestors, burns. Screams of my subjects still assail my ears. Their ghosts continue to ride the late night air. I am haunted by their unyielding reach. I can see the fear in Ennea’s face through my tear-filled eyes. She cradles Alyakim, our daughter. Between us, wrapped in the hide of the Great Olaffub are the few possessions we had time to gather. My spear and knife lie easily within reach. Since the moon first awoke, Eoz, my fa...
Chapter Fifty-One
Aidan: Part Two: The Revelation
Lightheaded and confused, I steadied myself. My hand was wet against the mountain’s surface. I refreshed my palate from the cool rivulets of sweetly welcomed tears that flowed down the craggy mountain face and encouraged Ennea and Eoz to quench their thirst too. The watery courses formed numerous ephemeral shallow pools along the base of the cliff before stretching out along self-imposed, predetermined tentacular channels. Like miniature waterfalls the assorted sizes of clear fluid cascaded into th...
Chapter Fifty-Two
Aidan: Part Three: Unfolding New World
“Don’t touch that!” shouted Htebazile. Crouched, Ennea jerked her hand back. “How dare you speak to me like that! I am queen of AYOH!” Flush with pent up emotion, she bestowed a scorching stare upon Htebazile. She was not accustomed to being startled in such a manner. Reverence is what she expected but it was lacking in this young girl. “Look at your workers in the field. They languish serenely on the flowers’ petals. I only want one to add beauty to w...
Chapter Fifty-Three
Barn Boards
The day is sunless, only grey paints the sky. The wind has picked up a chilling edge to its knife. Clothed in an insulated woollen jacket, and jeans worn through at the knee, Joseph Tiller heads to the barn with a ladder in hand. A barn board has been pushed out and must be replaced, before the snow predicted musters up a storm. He climbs to the milk shed’s roof, its structure adhered to the barn, with tools and fre...
Chapter Fifty-Four
A Trip: A Short Story Without "E's"
Similar to shadows of a dirty shirt, black cumulus clouds, abounding with rain, hangs fat across land and final hours of this train trip. An old match with a long history is playing out. Clickity-clack. Clickity-clack. Clickity-clack. Clickity-clack. Clickity-clack. Clickity-clack. “Boy! Good pumpkin tart!” Al said, wolfing it down. “Cocky isn’t your suit, Al. Tummy happy now? Play your knight!” Don said. “Oooh! Touchy. How did you know I was go...
Chapter Fifty-Five
Island Born: A Poem without "E's"
Words unfold upon aboard, Spools unspool within labyrinths hiding in our minds’ dashboards. Arbors’ ash with nothing but unclad wood Void of spring’s furnishings sits within snow’s mounting snood. Polar air---Oh what a bully!---digs at roots to sully That soul within not its cully. Piano music, violin, floats upon warmth and joy, Noon through to night, ahoy, As howling winds knock at doors, Its icy unforgiving col...
Chapter Fifty-Six
Ramblings During the Pandemic
The sky was a thick cloud of grey, not a hint of blue to be found. Conifers poked at the heavens while grasses emerald green and golden-brown shone; barren deciduous trees reached tall, stretching their spindly tentacles to scratch open a window to the azure found beyond. A deep chill had spread its frosty blanket mid-April as the tantalizing spring warmth had turned round to snow predictions that will soon cast frowns. Tulip heads have pushed from the ground, harbingers of hope that spring will soon abo...
(An Exercise in the Use of Rare Words in a Short Story) Emma took in a deep breath before opening the door to Stoddard Hall. Her first time attending a cocktail party, she felt nervous. Other than her boyfriend, Andrew, and perhaps a few professors, she would not know anyone present. Andrew’s university, located in the city, was located on a much larger campus than the one she had attended. Though her university had a laudable reputation it had not yet arrived at the world academic status tha...
Chapter Sixty-One
Rambling Thoughts During a Pandemic
Where am I? I am here. But what does that mean? I feel I am caught between past, present and future. As I age, my mind drifts back trying to examine how I became me. Thoughts that have not crossed that threshold in years suddenly step across to reveal what I have left hidden or forgotten. Forgotten? Hidden? Are they not both the same? Hidden is purposeful. Forgotten is not remembered, without purpose. Or is that true? Perhaps without knowing I am lyin...
Chapter Fifty-Eight
Joseph Tiller's Christmas Miracle
A sunless day, only grey paints the sky. Christmas eve, a thin snow-carpet with a sigh. Wind swirling up, a chilling edged knife to its bite. Casts a pall on what might have been right. In a woollen jacket, jeans worn through at the knees, Joseph Tiller trudges to the barn, dragging his ladder without ease. A gait without sprite, his head hung low, thinking of Christmas a long time ago. Several barnboards pushed out by the wi...
Chapter Sixty-Two
The White Picket Fence
In the rustling of the leaves And the beauty of the Fall There stands a quintessential hominess Enwrapped in classic perennial charm Few among the things That touches the heart Like the white picket fence. A simple structure An effective boundary Embracing a welcomingly warmth To its weary traveler Who on homeward bound, Passes through its gate. Time drains through days As through the body flows Unnotic...
Chapter Sixty-Four
Just A Few Thoughts
Life has so many twists and bends some darn right fearful emotional blends. In my youth answers carried such an easy writ when experience barely scratched its own dendrochronological whit. Back then gentle breezes tipped my compass, willy nilly that path chosen thought the plumpest to taste whatever occasion wrought unaware or blind of what might be fraught. In things said and neglected can’t undue but still affected. Impending storm? I ha...
Chapter Sixty-Eight
The 'Werewolves' of Pine Meadows
A low mist barreled across the late summer fields like tumbleweed, too early, in my mind, for this time of year. The howls and yips had awakened me. Reluctantly, I glanced at my watch and cringed. It was 2 a.m.! Thud! My cat, Sid, had leaped from the bed and, with his nose pressed against the outer screen door, listened intensely. Above the mist was a freckled star-studded night sky scrubbed clean of clouds while the bright full moon journeyed toward the western horizon. Yipping, howling or any oth...
Chapter Seventy
The Diary: Part Seven: Antonio's Restaurant
Antonio’s was a family-owned Italian restaurant with a well-deserved 4-star rating. The atmosphere, both early European in interior design and style of service, was enhanced, but not unexpectedly so, by crisp white tablecloths and silver cutlery sparkling at each table location. Founded by Antonio Fattori and his wife, Maria, the menu displayed a unique flare that proudly shared a story about each dish’s creation over a hundred years of tried-and-true Fattori family recipes. Their son and dau...
Chapter Seventy-One
The Diary: Part Eight: Hard Day's Night
Two hours had passed since Antonio and Maria continued their circulation of the other tables. Matt glanced around the room. The patrons had thinned out noticeably. He sipped on a glass of limoncello, described by Antonio as the most beloved Italian liqueur in the world. He peered at Audrey savouring her gelato al cioccolate fondente and wished he had not inhaled his tiramisu. Few words had passed between them after her surprise announcement and during supper. An iciness for whatever reason glazed her man...
Chapter Seventy-Two
The Diary: Part Nine: The Funeral
Four days later, Matt attended the funeral of Philip and Claire Finlay. He positioned himself far enough away so as not to be too obtrusive yet close enough that he could clearly observe the faces and body language of each mourner. Brain fog still lingered since that evening at Antonio’s. He remembered thinking how bad he had felt and swearing never to move his eyeballs again. At least the sawdust mouth and pulsating thud in his head had gone. Only one embarrassing question remained unanswered. How...
Chapter Seventy-Three
The Diary: Part Ten: Not Gon' Cry
Low-level ozone swirled up and whipped thoroughly about before rushing in through the open driver side window of his speeding vehicle. His nostrils flared with the scent. A fine mist soaked his face and shirt as he sped towards Sir Reginald’s Estate. He made no effort to close the window because, simply put, he did not care. Its cleansing and refreshing effects exhilarated him. The last time he felt this good was in childhood, hopping, carefree, puddle to puddle, in a warm gentle rain. When his car...
Chapter Seventy-Four
The Diary: Part Eleven: Days of Yore Unnoticed
Matt drove through the open gates and along the tree-lined drive toward the late Sir Reginald’s sprawling chateau. The chateau’s exterior was sophisticated and luxurious, magical in how its design and architecture merged; marveled by him in previous visits, today, his mind focused elsewhere. Normally, he slowed down upon passing the tennis court and guest house to allow his imagination to fly to another era when society’s giants plied their athletic prowess and stayed the occasional nig...
Chapter Seventy-Five
The Diary: Part Twelve: The Treehouse
The multi-purposed, board and batten cladded treehouse was one-of-a-kind, in the sky, structure. Matt estimated it to be at least 3-storeys off the ground. It literally looked liked a miniature house with a cedar-shingled roof, wood framed glass sliding windows, both an inner door and outer screen door, and wraparound deck. Attached to the west side of the deck was a slide while on the opposite side was a rock-climbing wall. All of this was connected to a platform on a neighboring tree by means of a carg...
Chapter Seventy-Six
The Diary: Part Thirteen: Up In Smoke
Alan pushed by his mom and Matt and slithered down the rope ladder to join his Aunt Isobella. When his aunt turned and walked away, Alan defiantly flicked Matt the bird before running after her. A wall of silence dropped between Matt and Susan as they faced each other. The screen door slapped rhythmically in the breeze against the treehouse’s siding. He felt a sudden uptick in the breeze against his skin, a signal of its intent, as it grabbed the opened screen portal and slammed it shut. The ...
Chapter Seventy-Seven
The Diary: Part Fourteen: A Misunderstanding?
The air was pregnant with sirens, scorching heat, and bellowing smoke. Hungry flames ravished the board and batten treehouse and cargo bridge while its tentacles reached skyward to the branches of their supporting trees. Matt felt the searing heat of the inferno against his skin and stepped well back. He was pleased to see that Sergeant Gupta and two other constables had dropped the inadequate garden hose used to contain the fire and had moved along a perimeter a safe distance away, too. “Wh...
Chapter Seventy-Eight
The Diary: Part Fifteen: The Folder
“Do you think the body is that Dale fella?” asked Captain Gupta, holding his hand over his nose to smother the smell. Matt shrugged. “Pretty badly burnt whoever it is. Are you sure you didn’t see anyone else in this vicinity with Dale?” “Like I said we…” “You and the others were too busy trying to put out the fire.” He made a clicking sound with his tongue. “My guess, based on the timing and the degree of damage to the bo...
Chapter Seventy-Nine
The Diary: Part Sixteen: The Cardboard Box
Matt scrambled along the hall to the front staircase and down to the foyer. It took him a few moments to find Sergeant Gupta, who was standing just inside the entrance to the living room talking to another constable. Many of the people who had been retained and interviewed before Sir Reginald’s funeral had left to carry on with their daily lives while family and sundry others who had taken up residence were either scattered about the house or outside wandering the sprawling estate. “By ...
Chapter Eighty
The Diary: Part Seventeen: Ghost & Revelation
Archibald Hendley’s dead fisheyes stared back at him. His throat had been slit. On the floor beside him was a blood-stained knife. Without moving further into the kitchen, Matt’s gaze slowly scanned the room. Where the hell are Susan and her son? He thought. And Constable Curtiss? He pulled out his cell phone and made a call. “Bill?” “Is that you Matt? I’m already on-site with my team, bud.” “I know,” he sighed. &ld...
Chapter Eighty-one
The Diary: Part Eighteen: Out of Nowhere
Matt felt emotionally drained when he drove through the open gates and along the drive to the front of Sir Reginald’s mansion and parked. Peterson came out and waited for him at the entrance. Matt mustered up a smile, nodded to him and began to exit his vehicle when his phone vibrated in his pocket. It was Audrey. He hesitated. Drawing in a deep breath, he accepted her call. For a moment he said nothing until he heard her voice. “Matt?!” A brief silence invaded each breath she too...
Chapter Eighty-Two
The Diary: Part Nineteen: There Is No Try
Matt was ahead of Philip Forsythe and William Peterson when he arrived on the second floor. The first door, Alan’s bedroom, did not have a constable present. An unease swept over him. Not waiting for the others, he picked up his pace. The hallway curved into a long, straight corridor with several doors on either side. Constable Rowntree stood outside one of them which Matt knew was Susan’s bedroom. “Where’s Constable Smythe?” he called out. “He was to remain outside th...
Chapter Eighty-Three
The Diary: Part Twenty: The Birth Certificate
Susan’s demeanor was anything but welcoming as she turned and walked across the room to close the bedroom doors. Matt could tell she had been crying as he quietly closed the door behind him. To his left was a large circular glass table with six chairs equally spaced around it. In the middle of the table was an empty flower vase and beside it was a cardboard box. The large room he and Philip stood in exuded elegance yet retained an inviting ambience at the same time. The living and sleeping areas we...
Chapter Eighty-Four
The Diary: Part Twenty-One: Hunting Mousse
If Susan could have spit bullets at that very moment she would have, and they would have all been aimed at Matt. But the accusation took the air out of her sails. “You’ve really done your homework.” She stubbed out her cigarette in the ashtray and took a quick glance at the bedroom door. Her hand had developed a slight tremor and her disposition had transitioned to someone who was clearly uncomfortable. “No one ever questioned it until now. I was careful to ensure it stayed hidden...
Chapter Eighty-Five
The Diary: Part Twenty-Two: Bought Time
Philip stepped out of the room and into the hallway, closing the door behind him. Scrolling down the list of phone numbers on his cell he finally came to Louise Jenkins. Her number rang several times before she finally picked up. “Good afternoon, Philip.” His feelings for her contained nuances and complications he preferred not to examine but hearing her voice lifted his spirits. To convey the intent of his call being of an official nature, he began it, “Judge Jenkins, I need your assis...
Chapter Eighty-Six
The Diary: Part Twenty-Three: The Architects
Matt had just stepped onto the tiled foyer when his cellphone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out and saw that it was a text from Audrey. The frenzied rush in the main hall was something he did not expect, and he stepped to one side; pressing against the wall he scanned the throng for Sergeant Gupta. Seeing him, he called out: “Sanjay! Over here.” Sanjay tap-danced an intricate choreography through the labyrinth of people until he stood opposite him. “What in blazes is going on?&rd...
Chapter Eighty-Seven
The Diary: Part 24 : Ordo Templis Orientalis
“Are you familiar with the name Baphomet?” Philip asked Matt, flinging the last of the hanging clothes from the closet rod onto the bed. “Does it have anything to do with that pentagram?” Matt pointed to the back wall of the closet. Philip thought for a moment and then shrugged. “In a way, yes!” Susan shouted from the other room. “Would you uncuff me from this damn chair so I can join you!” Matt glanced at Philip. Any trust he once h...
Chapter Eighty-Eight
The Diary: Part 25: 'Bang About Day'
“Follow me with two other constables! I’ll explain later.” Matt’s beleaguered command galvanized Sergeant Gupta and the two constables closest to him into action. The echo from Susan’s hurried tread on the stone-concrete and the erratic splashes of light from her flashlight against the ceiling, and walls of the passageway were Matt’s only signposts as he sliced through the darkness. Abruptly, the Doppler effect from her trek diminished dramatically and the light disapp...
Chapter Eighty-Nine
Part 26: The Diary: Code Breaking
Turning off their flashlights so as not to be easy targets, Matt, Sergeant Gupta, and Constable Spencer Sutcliffe slipped through the opening. They had no sooner entered than the stone-wall-door behind them slammed shut. “That was unexpected,” complained Matt. “Is that likely to cause a problem for the others?” “Not likely,” whispered Spencer. “Unless…” “Unless what?” Matt asked, not hiding his sudden concern. &ldqu...
Chapter Ninety
The Diary: Part 27: 666
The three had formed a cramped circle around the constables. Sergeant Gupta, who had been a medical doctor in India before he and his family immigrated, carefully checked them out. The long narrow hallway which faced him was fully lit with a closed door at the end and a camera above it. “Are they alright, Sanjay?” Matt asked Sergeant Gupta, his gaze shifting between him and the unconscious constables. He could hear the approach of distant voices filtering through the inky dark cor...
Chapter Ninety-One
The Diary: Part 28: Into the Jaws
“It worked!” Unable to contain himself, Spencer pumped his fist high into the air and, without thinking, began to step forward when Matt pulled him back sharply. “Wha…” Matt glanced up at him and nodded toward the camera above the door. “Take your gun butt and smash it!” Glass and electronic paraphernalia rained down. Matt brushed himself off and peered back at Sergeant Gupta. “How are they doing, Sanjay?” “They’...
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