Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Criminal.
Speechless
Tonight I will be paid an unforgettable sum, the most I have ever received, for committing my own beautiful little boy to life; for murder. It’s also my last pay check, the signal for me to let go of everything—but how can I let go of those precious 12 years we wasted, while you were so innocent?
By Izumi Earl5 years ago in Criminal
Home Sweet Home
Alex pushed open the darkwood door of 29 Main street and looked around the empty room. There was dust sitting on the air in a spacious living room, catching the mirky sunlight. He placed his suitase, all of his belongings, in the middle of the hallway and paced around the empty house. The large wooden staircase wound away from him and up to the second floor. Alone in his new home, Alex felt for the first time a sense of settledness, he felt his anxiety lift.
By Oriele Anderson5 years ago in Criminal
As the Crow Flies
The swift murder of crows made its way south chasing a determined cloud. From below, an object shimmered and the group swirled to investigate, one screaming to alert the others. Like a funnel in a snowstorm they descended toward the object, purposely missing a great horned owl rising from the prize she’d already won. The huntress powered through the crowd with a small creature draped limply in its talons. The crows formed an attack frenzy, screaming and cawing like a room full of auctioneers, darting this way and that, up and down. The owl sniggered as it flew away, only bothered by the incessant noise that broke its reverent early morning silence. Before sunrise, three fluffy owlets would eat.
By Marisa Keller5 years ago in Criminal
One Last Job
“One more job Cecily. That’s all we’re asking for.” “Jarrod, that’s what you said about the job two jobs ago.” “What can I say, you’re the best we have and we hate to lose you.” Jarrod sighed heavily “..but I mean it this time. It will be your last. There’s a lot at stake here and this is more of a favor than a job.”
By Crystal Hollembaek5 years ago in Criminal
Sawyer
Gaius Finn’s alarm was blaring and loud, demanding his attention at the unholy hour of 6:17am. He didn’t even bother trying to open his eyes, haphazardly slapping his nightstand as he tried to find the snooze button. Just five more minutes was all he needed, then he would get up and go to work. Mind-numbing, soul-destroying, number-crunching work.
By A.N.G. Reynolds5 years ago in Criminal
Karma
We’d been lucky for so long. Our customers were great, new and regulars alike that we hadn’t had to deal with any true-blue, full-blown, let-me-speak-to-your-manager types. Not tonight. The four-top of Karens walked in like we owed them money, wore their masks below their noses, had the proverbial Karen haircuts, and probably had their homes decorated in Live, Laugh, Love. They were dragons, breathed fire and condescension, and were seated in my section.
By Angila Tremblay5 years ago in Criminal
SHE!
...She did it, my god, she did it! She looked over the tub to admire her work and to make sure it was done .17 hours ago today she wasn't even sure if she could follow through with her plan. But she did. It was crazy, she knew that, but nothing could stop her in those moments just before! She looked in the mirror and laughed like the devil possessed her voice box. Just as quick as her body started jolting: thoughts raced into her head “He’s next.”
By Paris Allen5 years ago in Criminal
Now's your chance
Last night I was kidnapped. All things considered it was a pretty polite kidnapping. I was headed home from work, wasn’t paying attention to where I was walking, and bumped into a woman in a Burberry trench coat going the other way. I apologized profusely but was caught off guard as I looked at her face. The woman’s complexion was the soft white of buffed marble. She had eggplant colored hair and the brightest green eyes I’d ever seen. In fact I was so mesmerized by them that I didn’t notice the needle in her hand until it was too late.
By Amy M Mertz5 years ago in Criminal
