Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Criminal.
April Showers Bring Murder
April showers bring May flowers, at least that's what my brother, James, used to tell me. Thunder bang furiously as the dirt under us got muddy. I tried to jog as the rain constantly smacked against my face. Keeping up with the others was troublesome. Then, we had to swing across the metal jungle gym, a few feet off the ground. Being only 5’7, it would be a dangerous fall. The rain caused the bars to be slippery, but we had to go through if we wanted to be called “soldiers.”
By Azarra Lucas5 years ago in Criminal
Colin's Little Black Book
I'm an ex-cop. For those of you who know people like me you'll know that this means that we have stories to tell. Some will be funny, the weird and wonderful situations that people get themselves into. Some are gruesome, I really have to pick my audience carefully for those ones. And some are just sad and they're the ones I have the hardest time sharing with others.
By Michael Calam5 years ago in Criminal
Alvin
I knew I was going to die. I had direct knowledge that this was the case. But I didn’t expect to die this way. Not at all the way I planned. Drip. Drip. Drop. Drip. I wished the drops of water that sporadically landed on my head were colder. Cold equals refreshing. Room temperature water was never refreshing. Occasionally, I would lift my head and let the drops land on my face. Sometimes my mouth. The water tasted like blood, there was a metallic hint on the end of it. But still, no refreshment. None at all.
By Alex Murphy5 years ago in Criminal
A New Beginning
You stand on the platform, your auburn locks blowing behind you in the breeze. Your face is serene, as if you do not have a care in the world. You always carry yourself with an effortless grace. You carry your emerald purse today, the one with the brass locks. I smile to myself when I see you. I watch through the window as you step onto the train and float down the aisle, your dainty Oxfords silent against the bustle of your fellow passengers. I sit on the chair across the aisle from you, watching as you slip your little notebook from your coat pocket. A man in a checkered business suit slides into the seat across from you, a grin spreading across his smarmy face as he catches a glimpse of your lovely frame. He reaches up to his ear to turn off his Bluetooth before attempting to engage you in conversation. You peer up through your lashes, artfully curled, murmuring your thanks at his flattery before you disappear into your reading. You are pensive as you read, chewing the end of your pen with those pearly whites as you ponder the page. Suddenly you glance up at me and hurriedly I turn away, pretending to read my novel. I am captivated by you, but I wish that it was not so obvious. When it is safe to look back at you, I see that the businessman has spread his legs over the edges of his seat, forcing you to turn to one side to avoid touching him. He has begun an overly loud telephone conversation, complete with emphatic hand gestures. I immediately despise him. I spend the remainder of the train ride alternately scowling at his rudeness and catching glimpses of you watching the world go by outside the window.
By Mackenzie Dickeson5 years ago in Criminal
A New Life
Mary left work on a Thursday afternoon of what seemed to be a normal day at the bank. Looking forward to the weekend plans she had with her husband, she mindlessly got out of the taxi and continued her short walk home. As she approached her apartment, she saw all kinds of people gathered around. Police officers, investigators, and a few bystanders. She hurried over to see that the door to her apartment was wide open.
By Haley Ristow 5 years ago in Criminal
Dad's Secret Stash
He stood as a pillar of the house and community. A saintly essence overseeing the neighborhood. “To Serve and Protect” Etched into the door of his squad car. By day, a beat cop on the stroll. By night, a loving family man, and caring neighbor. One cold autumn night, a lighting storm struck the tall cherry across the street. Awoken by the roar of thunder shaking the house, the snapping of branches, and the crackles and crashes that follow.
By Michael C. Lafferty-Shockency5 years ago in Criminal
Freezing
Kristina awoke and was immediately aware of being incredibly cold. She raised, or rather tried to raise her head but it wouldn’t move. She tried again but failed. Then, she became aware of the fact that she was somehow stuck to the ground. The right side of her face felt completely numb…much of the rest of her did too. Her vision was also blurred. After a few moments, she finally managed to lift her head, slowly peeling her cheek away from the ground as she did so.
By John Swallow5 years ago in Criminal
Rosso
The old wood floor was creaking. The roof was leaking and the wood studs were significantly broken. The moisture of the Greek island didn’t help but continue deteriorating the buildings wooden joists. Pieces of the ceiling painting were collapsing little by little, day by day. The marble cornice had already cracked when this big cymatium piece fell on the street. The Department of Buildings gave them no option but to abandon the house. Rosso was its name, given by the locals. Rosso because blood had watered its walls. But it was still their inheritance. “We don’t care about your inheritance. The house belongs to the city now. Whatever remains of it of course. The house... The house... The house...”
By Niria Kountouri5 years ago in Criminal
