Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Criminal.

I never Forget A Face
I never forget a face. She tugged on her mask to make sure it covered her nose. She needed to buy a new one as this one had frayed and slipped repeatedly. Veronica grabbed a plate while placing two pieces of toast on the white plate with blue trim, the words Hank's Diner in red on her shirt. The light from the kitchen bright as the warmth from the heat lamp kept the stainless steel hot.
By Jacqueline Brockert5 years ago in Criminal
The Pen
The Pen ‘Is this a date?’ I thought to myself as I was driving up to the house, I felt finally uninhibited. All good. All perfectly normal social and internal conversations pre-date. Or non-date rather. Who really knows what this is? I thought to myself. It’ll be revealed. Yes, I’ve had a cruiser. I’m feeling liberal. Talking in my head. Yes. YaS! I am okay. I have stuff to say, I am entertaining. People like me. And other mantras to that effect.
By Charmaine Bonnefille5 years ago in Criminal
The clues in the little black book
One day Paul was contemplating why he bought such an old house that needed so much work. Paul went into the attic to see if there was any usable space up there. He noticed some unusual wood work that to his eye, seemed to be pointing to a certain spot under the insulation. He decided to pull up the insulation to look and was surprised to find a little box there. He open the box and inside was a little black book. Even more interesting was the content of the book. The first line said, “successfully follow these clues and there will be a reward at the end of every journey.”
By B. J. C.5 years ago in Criminal
Secrets
“You all are probably wondering why you were invited here tonight.” The elderly gentleman said to the small group of people gathered in the large sitting room. “And we shall get to that in a moment. First, why don’t we go around and introduce ourselves so that everyone knows who they are sitting next to. How about we start with you, Miss…?”
By Kristin Kobolka5 years ago in Criminal
The Deal
New York, January 15, 2008 "So, we have a deal." The excitement in the air was electric as all but one of the five men got up from their seats. From the outside, it looked like any other successful business meeting: stiff handshaking, congratulations, and relieved, yet excited expressions. But this meeting had been different. It would still be months before anything was set in motion, but the decision made today would drastically change the way the world conducted business.
By Isla Berry5 years ago in Criminal
Joy Ride II
“C’mon, one more. Then burgers. Please?” Margrett begged, whispering, as to not wake their potential victims sleeping in the motel. Cindy crossed her arms and set a stance of evident refusal, but then softened.
By Tim Pierpont5 years ago in Criminal
The Chain
A man on the dock was gagged and duct-taped to a chair. Several loops of chain wrapped around him and the chair, disappearing into a coil at his feet. A length of the chain ran to a cinder block sitting on the edge of the pier.
By Darryl Brooks5 years ago in Criminal
Joy Ride
“This is it.” Alice crooned as she ran her hand playfully along the chrome front bumper of the 1973 Volkswagen Beetle, glowing in the moonlight. Molly tried to whistle, but only blew air.
By Tim Pierpont5 years ago in Criminal
How to Survive a Hostage Situation
Was it just this morning that she left? It feels so long ago. She was so calm and I knew she was sad so I thought maybe she would stay. I really wanted her to stay. She even gave me an option. If I could just step out of the house and take her hand, she would follow me back inside.
By Shanna Barton5 years ago in Criminal
Requiem for a Lost Soul
Requiem for a Lost Soul By Scott J. Kramer “What are you doing Sergeant Pepper?” I exclaimed while the leash tugged my phone hand, jarring my view of the latest Facebook post by my ex. The fluffy Pomeranian scratched at the dirt next to a withered looking excuse for a tree he just inaugurated with a canine salute.
By Scott Kramer5 years ago in Criminal
Pandora's Book
The man in the chair was scheduled to die by the end of the hour. His name was Earl Nyjack and he had tortured and murdered ten women, allegedly. He faced a nun, a cherry red landline telephone on a table behind her and a guard looking on from just above Sister Meredith’s right shoulder. His gaze took in the telephone, the guard and the only person sorry to see him die in the whole world, or at least this horrible room, all as one faraway backdrop.
By Rachel Crowe5 years ago in Criminal
The Heir to the Fortune
The Heir to the Fortune By Shani Krammer February 6, 2021 Elizabeth Filmore used to be my best friend in high school. I would have trusted her with any number of secrets, and for the longest time she was my one and only confidant. That all changed when I found out what she did. Our friendship dissolved after I lost all respect for her.
By Shani Krammer5 years ago in Criminal