Category Archive Browsing Category: Friday Fictioneers

Decroix took his St. Joseph’s Day handkerchief from his hip pocket and wiped out the brim of the blue Borsolino he used to only wear for parades. There was a lot of that down here.  Used to. We used to go up to Luchan’s for boudin, used to get us some drinks at Jimmy White’s Sports…

She stared down into the lobby, all color drained from her face. “What is it?” She shook her head, sipped the last of her chardonnay from the plastic cup. “Nothing,” she smiled. “Let’s go back. Second act will be starting soon.” I felt her tension all through the second act.  She seemed to be looking…

Jolly Mrs. Benbow, arms a-jiggle as she lifts the cup to her lips, tilting the saucer to show the maker’s mark SPODE on its bottom. Her great-grandmother’s cup, she will invariably remind anyone in earshot. To her left is Mrs. Wright, the eldest and most severe. Her only vice is the single slice of lemon she…

Janus liked quoting Captain Kirk at the start of a climb. Gentlemen, risk is our business. It was funny the first time or two, but like most of the aspects of his personality, it ended up grating on you. After a couple years, I was the only one left who would still belay him.  I suppose I felt…

“Oh dear,” she said as she peered into the garden. “There seem to be more of them.” He joined her at the window. “Hell and death. When the devil did he do that?” Her cup ratted against the china saucer. She steadied it with her free hand. “I don’t know. Perhaps he goes and builds…

“You too, Joey?” “I got nothing against them personally, Jack. I just don’t want to box with them.” “So that’s it, then? You’re quitting?” “No. Maybe go to Lopez’s.” “You boys don’t have a problem with the Spanish, then.” The old man sat back in his chair, the old wood creaking with the weight. Joey…

My wife brought in the stack of Christmas cards to sign.  I shook my head. “It’s not even Thanksgiving yet.” She smiled. “I like to get a jump on things.” I almost said probably addressed them in January, but I caught myself in time. I thanked her and went to my study. I opened the first…

“Am I waking you up?” “I had to get up anyway, Dad. The phone was ringing.” “Ha. Listen, I need you to do something for me.” “Name it.” “I need you to come over and shovel the walk.” “Now?” “Yes, now. Before your mother wakes up.” “It’s four in the morning.” “I know what time…

Enrique was appalled when he saw his cousin’s pack. He walked around it, whistling. “What do you have in here, Hectór? Furniture?” The boy shrugged, or tried to against the weight of the straps. “You know we’re walking, right?” “Not all the way, Rico.” “The boat takes us only to Salina Cruz. After that, the…

Hughie leaned the 12-gauge against the doorframe, handy but hidden. He stepped onto the porch. The man got out of the Cadillac, smiled at him. “Mr. Tweedy? My name’s Hoskins. I represent––” “I know who you are,” said Hughie. “If you come to talk  about selling, I’m not interested.” The man’s eyes went hard above…