Series
Eli's Project
Dee got back in her car and then turned left out of the shipyard. The Park was less than ½ mile down Middle Harbor Rd, on the left. As soon as she turned out of the Shipyard, she saw all the flashing lights. The metal bar gate, with its PARK CLOSED sign, was blocking the entrance drive, but an OPD officer was standing there to let official vehicles in and out. From the gate, Dee could see half a dozen squad cars, Sgt. Collins SUV and the Coroner van all parked on the paved circle around the huge metal pole that was the Oakland Mast. The Park Rangers were even here to close down the Park from the public until the Crime Scene could be processed. The main piece of equipment present was the huge firetruck, parked in the grass directly in front of the Mast, with its ladder fully extended. A large white sheet hanging from the end of the ladder blocked whatever was on the top of the mast from view. On the other side of the paved circle, there was a Parks and Rec bucket truck, and she could just make out the slim form of Sundae's partner Mike Rollo, in the bucket up there to the left of the giant sheet. She assumed he was up there snapping pictures and taking samples. Dee pulled into the small parking lot nearby, got out, and walked over to where the Alameda County Coroner, Dr. Harperson, and her boss, Sgt. Collins was standing on the paved circle, necks craned back, intently watching whatever was going on up there behind the sheet.
By Angela Mabry3 years ago in Fiction
Eli's Project
The LAPD had a reputation for misconduct and mishandling of cases. In Detective Madera “Dee” Segura's opinion, it wasn't because of bad officers. You can't judge all the apples on the tree because of a few rotten ones on the ground. In the 15 years, she had lived and worked in L.A, she had seen a lot of horrible things, but she had made friends and allies in the Force. Decent officers just trying to do their job, just like her. Then she moved to Oakland. She didn't necessarily want to leave the LAPD, but the transfer had meant a promotion to Detective and a bit of a slower pace. Of course, Oakland had crime, and horrible things happened here, same as anywhere else. It came down to a matter of scale. Los Angeles had 3.9 million residents and almost 10,000 officers. Oakland, in comparison, only had about 434,000 residents and 750 officers. There, she had been just another Badge, lost in the crowd; here, she could have a career and make a good name for herself. Away from the dark stigma of the LAPD.
By Angela Mabry3 years ago in Fiction
Twin Souls
Chapter One: A Thorny Truth The enormous ruby dragon peered down at the altar, seeing to his surprise a human child, no older than two or three of their years, sitting by a crude fire. The child was staring into the flames as if in a trance, apparently oblivious to the fact that he was strangely alone on this old afternoon, with neither care nor caretaker in sight. The boy suddenly hiccupped and the dragon gave a nervous start, adjusting his weight slightly on the cliff overlooking the forest as he considered his options.
By Insinq Datum3 years ago in Fiction
So Close, And Still Wet Behind The Ears
Some time earlier... Tinka wasn't usually granted access to the lecture halls, but this was a special occasion. The new aquarium tanks had been built, dedicated, and opened in The Conclave. The study of aquatic life was something that had been missing for centuries there, the last couple years of diplomacy developed among Fae, Mythics, and newly formed treaties with dragons had made things easier. Tinka was a forest Mythic and left the Fae and the dragons to conduct their business, dragons were new allies, so the new diplomatic aquarium was a true revolution. It was built on the far side of the Conclave, near the river. It took half a year to dig out the canal and the proper inlets to make the natural aquarium lecture halls. When the doors were opened, the space was grander than she imagined: teared theater seats with long aisles, a lectern stage up front, newly innovated amplification systems, and a wall of glass so large, she couldn't begin to imagine the life behind it.
By Tinka Boudit She/Her3 years ago in Fiction
Dreamer - Chapter 51
"Where are you even going!?" I found myself yelling out as Ace stormed forward. I could already feel myself running out of breath but if I stopped now, I'd lose him. I shouldn't be caring this much. He's discharged from the hospital. He clearly doesn't need my help. "Ace!" I called out once more before sitting down on a random rock that was plopped down at the end of some person's driveway. All this effort and he doesn't give a shit. What was I doing? The old me would've just let him leave the car and drove off. Fuck him. Fuck his attitude.
By 'Lissa Stufflestreet3 years ago in Fiction
The Little Adventure
The directions Methuselah gave me could no longer be utilized. My mindless meandering the day prior had rendered the instructions useless. Vanessa and I were too far lost now, and in my dismay, I forged blindly through the forest with my little sister.
By Zeline Farney3 years ago in Fiction
The Wild Moon's Gift
I remember laying in my room as the wind was raging outside. I’d always hated storms because of the loud thunder. The rain was pounding against my window as lightening flashed across the walls. I threw my head under the blanket, covering my ears, and began shaking. Despite knowing it was coming, I still jumped as the thunder roared, seeming like it was just outside my house.
By Michael King3 years ago in Fiction
The Trees Swallow People: Part 13
I don't know if I believe in anything after death. I think there's something, like a god or something, but not in the “God” sense. I can imagine people going to Heaven, but never myself. I don't think I don't deserve it, I just can't see myself in Heaven, no more than I can see myself in space; I can visualise it, but I'm left wondering where the punch-line is . Thanatophobia; that's what I have. I'm not going to Hell and that scares me. I know it must seem strange; there are trees driving people mad, killing them, driving them to suicide, yet I can't bring myself to believe in an afterlife? Yes. Faith, even in nothing, isn't rational.
By Conor Matthews3 years ago in Fiction
