The Mortician and Other Short Stories
by
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Tony didn’t answer Franco’s question, but instead addressed Mark: “McClain, I thought you were smarter than that. But, I knew you had a lot of guts and I figured you might try something tonight. However, I’m a generous man when it comes to ole army buddies. I’ll allow you this one stupid mistake, but no more. No more disobedience or you and yours are history. But, you do need a reminder. Franco, break one of his thumbs!” Mark was still spread-eagled, facedown on the floor with his hands outstretched. He tried to move his hands away from Franco but he was too late … Franco took the butt of the .38 and smashed Mark’s left thumb one time. Once was enough, Franco had evidently done this before; Mark’s thumb was broken and he yelled out in pain. “I’m sorry about that,” Tony said. “But, a broken thumb is a better reminder than a string around a finger. From The Playmate: Carol ran down the stairs and into the kitchen where Mommy was putting some milk and cookies on the kitchen table. Mommy gave Carol a nice hug and said, “Are you ready to go see Santa, honey?” “Yes. Mommy,” Carol replied. “And so is Jada. Aren’t you Jada?” Carol tossed her question over her right shoulder into the space behind her. Mommy didn’t say anything and knew that Carol’s imaginary friend wouldn’t say anything either. Jada was just as real to Carol as she was invisible to Mommy. From The Broach: It was not too surprising that Beatrice would stay in the West bedroom while sister Claudia would stay in the East bedroom. These bedrooms were at opposite ends of their mother’s large colonial home. That distance was still much closer than either of them wanted to be to each other. To stay cordial they both considered the distance between California and New York to be just about right. Neither sister sought out unpleasantness so each sister was intent on avoiding each other as much as possible. However, early the next morning after Beatrice arrived, they just happened to cross paths in the hallway outside the library. After all those years apart it was still a clash of unforgiving egos and immovable wills. “Well, well … if it’s not the wicked witch of the West!” greeted Claudia. “How are you, dear sister?” “Better than anyone in my presence,” replied Beatrice. “I’m so delighted to see you. You still go by Claudia, don’t you? I thought you might have changed your name to avoid incarceration.” “Don’t try to explain away your dementia problem, Beatrice. Yes, I’m still Claudia … you know, the good twin sister? …”
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About the Book
There are 14 interesting and enjoyable fictional stories in this anthology. The stories are short and independent of each other, which make for easy stop-and-go reading. You will enjoy a wide variety of stories: mystery, murder, suspense, romance, feel-good, and humorous. (Betcha can’t read just one!)
The Accident: A man decides he must murder to avenge his sister’s death.
The Bequest: An aunt’s untimely death results in regrettable consequences.
The Broach: Hostile twin sisters vie for their mother’s broach.
The Cabin: An unfaithful wife and her lover take steps to murder her husband.
The Counselor: An alienated husband gets advice from a stranger.
The Diary: A family learns the contents of Grandfather’s diaries.
The Encounter: An attractive young woman is not afraid to jog by herself.
The Letters: Community newcomers are threatened for unknown reasons.
The Loan: A young child loans her parents some money.
The Mortician: A man must return a favor … or else.
The Pact: A secret platonic relationship spawns a crisis.
The Playmate: A mother has aversion to her four-year-old daughter’s friend.
The
The Ticket: A chance meeting is really not a chance meeting.
Do you like surprises? You’ll find one or two in each story!
About the Author
This is the second book Charles has authored. His first book, Grabbing Operas by Their Tales, flippantly retells the plots of 15 of some of the world’s most popular and best-known operas.