You're little, they said. You can sneak in. I don't want to, I said. I was scared. The Rats didn't care, though. If you want a place to stay, you'll have to scout. I didn't want to do that, either. But I said I'd take care of Josie, and I was running out of options. … Continue reading Mousetrap
It started out as a lark. God knows, we needed a laugh or two. Someone had found a bottle of liquor, gin or vodka or something. I don’t know; I don’t drink. Paulie climbed up on the fire escape and pulled the ladder after him. “Chicken fight,” he said, grinning. “Take turns. First one up … Continue reading The Lark
They offered me shelter. The Rovers, I mean. Food. Safety in numbers. I look at Martin and Josie. My responsibility. Martin's shaking his head. Josie's looking at the sky. What do I care about the Rovers’ revolution? I back the fuck away.
Martin swore the new place was safe enough, and I believed him. He was usually right. Besides, I didn't trust my instincts anymore. Not after I’d led the others straight into a band of Rovers squatting in the basement of the arcade. I’d been sure it was abandoned, but the Rovers beat us there. We … Continue reading Birdhouse
The alarums were howling. I ignored them. When the smallest one pawed my robe, I gave him a pat and walked through the gate.Down below the bacchanal continued. It would be impossible to hear the alarums, and I preferred a more private revelry. I trod familiar halls, unlocked your door.Did they know what they did, … Continue reading Centennial’s Cusp
Christine Hanolsy 