thriller ideas

Mystery/Historical Thriller

Meon Stone

It’s the 1920’s during the time of the prohibition law and the wets and the dry were in a secret battle in the street. Jeremiah Brown is an everyday guy, he’s a shoe sales man, who like to drink once the sun goes down and the flappers come out. He’s a very arrogant man, thinking he’s tougher than he really is. On a fated day he blows the cover of one of the Senator, a supposed Dry, in one of the speak easy. Mr. Brown takes this opportunity to black mail the Senator, who has no choice but to agree and drag him to one of his country club party where Mr. Brown first lays eyes on the beautiful Meon Stone. It is at this turn of events that Mr. Brown is pulled into the Dangerous life of a Dangerous woman, who evidently leads him into a brush encounter with death with some mobsters. Though Meon being the sly gale that she is sends him to the chapel where he meets the priest who sneaks him out, putting the town drunk in his stead. Once the Mob realizes that Meon pulled a fast one over them she and our hero Jeremiah are not safe to room the streets, not even for drink at a bar. It is only when Meon Stone gets captured that Jeremiah has no choice but to face the mob and rescue Meon Stone.

Sifi Thriller

The Heart of the Amazon

A group of exhibitioners are in search of an asteroid that has been believed to have landed in the middle of the Amazon Rain Forest. They have two guilds who are planning to lead them to the site then take the samples, telling the media that the others all died of incidental deaths. Though our main character, and archeologist, finds out about it but keeps it quiet as they journey through the forest. Though being the Amazon rain forest, there are still tribes that exist there. And they have clamed the rock from space as a god and have no plan on letting the exhibitioners near it. In the end they get the sample over through the two guilds and escape the rainforest still intact.

Flowers for my Son By Rebecca Stark

Flowers for my son.

A piece of advice…

Son, Be careful on this journey

not to tread on a cyclamen bed

for we’ll surly never see you again.

But go…

Run away from here, your mother’s home

And pick yourself some Fir

To bring back to your wilting father

Ridged like your grandpa, in his old age.

I have tucked some white heather

In your chest pocket, keep it close for luck.

I’ll be here waiting like a purple hyacinth

For having seen you go

But when you return dear son

I will have the first spring’s flax, for you,

I have carried a single tea rose

In my garden hat

And now I can let it go.

Flowers for my son.

I have carried a single tea rose

In my garden hat-

Since my son left on his journey

Through the cyclamen beds.

I told him,

“We’ll surly never see you again.

But go…

Run away from here, your mother’s home

And pick yourself some Fir.”

I had tucked the white heather

In his chest pocket,

to keep close for luck.

And half expected to pick

the first spring’s flax, for him.

But no…

Many winters later

and I-

Am still waiting like a purple hyacinth.

Reflection: During our whole class workshop it was brought to my attention that the poem sounded like a mother who had lost her son, and this was her coming in terms or talking about her waiting, or still mourning about it. I really didn’t think much when I was writing this story, but in this new draft I had decided to take a more sensitive approach and really delve into the mother’s head and draw out the situation. I rearranged a few of the lines, got rid of some and add what needed to be added as well as give the poem more of a shape.

Flowers from son.

My son still hasn’t returned from

The cyclamen beds.

I half expected the first spring’s flax to fail

And the tea roses to bloom

Like weeds on the lawn.

But never after many winters

Did I imagine I would still be here

Waiting like a purple hyacinth.

I’m sure he’s lost the white heather by now

And the fir I tucked away in his breast pocket

It’s only a matter of time before I receive

Poppies in a letter to home

Reflection: So we say a softer side of the mother in draft two, I wanted to see how much would change if the mother was almost disgruntled or angry that her son has not returned yet. And give her an almost, I told you so kind of attitude. I prefer the second draft, it’s much more powerful, this one seems to have lost all sympathies and the attitude is very blah. The ending now needs work there is a bad transition between the last two stanza something I would correct in my final draft.

Flowers for my son.

The first spring’s flax has failed.

The tea roses bloom

Like weeds on the lawn.

And my son,

still hasn’t returned from

The cyclamen beds.

I fear he has lost himself

In the jungle of fir

And dropped the white heather

I had given him for luck.

But as a mother I sill wait

like a purple hyacinth.

For the poppy letters to home

Reflection: So I went back to a more sympathetic character and it’s much stronger this way, because I expect the readers to connect to the narrator better. My Intent to this poem is: To wait for something/someone who isn’t coming. I wanted to stay true to this intent from the start, I had a very clear image of what I want for this portfolio piece, and though I still think it needs a few more revisions my vision is still in view and I think that this piece can be evolved into something very powerful.

squirrel

There are often many questions about caring for an orphan squirrel, which need immediate answers. Hopefully this page will answer some of those questions. All states have registered animal rehabilitators that are trained to care for orphaned and injured animals. Whenever possible you should contact your States Department of Natural Resources, Department of Fish and Game, the local chapter of the S.P.C.A. or a Veterinarian for a referral. Since this is not always practical in most emergency situations, the following should provide at least an understanding of the situation, and some care you can administer. Generally, in the spring, the female squirrel will give birth to a litter of three to four babies. They are born almost blind; one to two inches long and without fur. They would not survive long outside the nest. The mother will nurse her young approximately 75 days after birth. She will then teach them the foraging, climbing and social skills required to survive on their own. Many things can create an orphan situation. The nest could be knocked down by a storm, tree trimming or just movement by the wind. This could cause one or all of the babies to fall. A predator could take the mother and/or some of the babies. But the most common reason for a baby squirrel to fall from the nest is the lack of space. As the babies grow, more room is needed. This may cause one or more babies to be inadvertently push out of the nest. They are usually several weeks old at this stage. The mother will pick up the baby and if not injured will return it to the nest. We as humans often find this apparently helpless little creature on the ground and instinctively want to help. It is sometimes better to wait and watch up to several hours, to see if the mother returns, and let her correct this situation. If this doesn't happen, or there are other life threatening circumstances, it may be acceptable to intervene. It is very important to examine the baby for injuries, if the animal is bleeding or appears distressed in any way you should get a professional medical opinion before you proceed. As you could be doing more harm then good. The first thing is to determine if the baby is dehydrated. Check the mouth and nose for dryness. Look for dry, red, or tacky mucous membranes. Next, check for skin pliability. This can be done by gently pinching the skin on the infant's back, and raising it slightly. If the skin remains in a "tented" fashion for more that a second or two, the animal is likely dehydrated. Prior to any treatment, the baby squirrel's body must be warmed to at least 98 degrees Fahrenheit. Wrapping the baby in a warmed towel for several minutes can do this.
To reintroduce fluids, use a 1cc syringe filled with warmed "Pedialyte" this is a hydrating fluid for human babies. It should be available in any drug store. An alternative fluid would be "Gatorade". Be sure it is warmed to body temperature before you start feeding. You should allow the baby to set the pace of sucking. This takes a little practice, just remember slower is better. Follow the feeding chart below, and recheck every four hours or so, for signs of improvement. Hydrating should last no more than 24 hours. Next, what to feed your new arrival. A formula of powdered "Esbilac" mixed with water is the recommended choice. Esbilac is a milk replacement for puppies. It can be purchased at most pet supply stores; you should also pick up a 3cc syringe for a newborn or a 10cc. syringe for squirrels four weeks and older. Esbilac comes in powder form and also premixed liquid. If you are feeding one squirrel, get the smallest size can. Naturally the powder will keep longer then the liquid form. But you can prolong the life of both by pouring the mixed formula into an ice cube tray and freezing. This gives you about sixteen one-ounce doses, which you can then defrost and warm in the Microwave oven. This method is helpful if you have a lot of mouths to feed. The basic formula should consist of 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of powder Esbilac, and 1/2 cup of whipping cream. The cream is added to fortify the formula, and add a little extra incentive to eat. An alternative small batch mixture would be 2-tsp water, 1 tsp Esbilac, and 1 tsp of whipping cream. You'll have less waste with this teaspoon method. If your squirrel has trouble with the regular Esbilac, such as diarrhea or bloating. PetAg makes an Esbilac formula with goat's milk. This can be a good alternative. Be sure the formula is warmed to 98 degrees F. but no higher then 102 degrees. Cradle the infant in the palm of one hand, then administered the formula slowly. Let the squirrel set the pace of feeding. The frequency of feeding depends on the age and weigh of the infant squirrel.The following are guidelines from which you should start, adjust these amounts as needed.Under one week of age (umbilical cord still attached), will require 9 feeding's. These should be scheduled every two hours, starting at 6 a.m. and the last one at 10 p.m. Quantity should be around 1cc. or 1/4 teaspoon. Age 2-3 weeks, feed 5 times a day, start at 1 1/2 cc of formula and increase to 3 cc Age 4-5 weeks, feed 4 times a day, start at 3 1/2 cc of formula and increase to 5 cc Age 6-7 weeks, feed 4 times a day, start at 6 cc of formula and increase to 9 cc Age 8 weeks, feed 10 to 14 cc twice a day. Begin weaning onto small pieces of solid food. After feeding, you must make sure the infant can and will relief itself. To stimulate this process use a dampened Q-tip and gentle rub it across the genitals. It is not necessary that you get results each time, but the pattern should be established early.
This is very important . . . Never feed a cold squirrel! If the squirrels body temperature is not between 98 and 102 degrees F. wrap the animal in a warmed towel and repeat this step until the body temperature is in the normal range. It is also important to keep the baby squirrel warm at all times, using a baby blanket or other suitable cloth to form a coil for the babies to sleep in. Then place it in a box. Keep this box in a warm part of your home. If the box is placed directly over the heat source, such as a heating pad, never allow it to exceed 100 degrees F. Heat only one half of the box's floor area. Also, never allow direct light to shine on the baby. As the babies eyes are very sensitive at this early stage. For the squirrel's protection, house pets should be kept away. Baby squirrels may even become accustomed to pets, which would be dangerous when released to the wild. It is much easier to care for and protect the baby squirrel if it is kept in a cage, box or other container. It should be at least two feet by two feet and at least twelve inches high to start. Putting shredded newspaper in the bottom, will help with the inevitable clean up. An old tee shirt slightly coiled makes a nice bed. Never use a material that unravels, such as a towel.As the baby squirrel grows, there will come a time when it will refuse the formula mixture. Ideally, you should wean your squirrel on a commercial dry mix. Purina makes Lab Chow, which has all the nutrients your squirrel will need. If this is unavailable, you should start with small slices of apple or pear. Seeds are also important, sunflower seeds "in the shell" should be part of the diet. A source of clean fresh water is essential for both drinking and grooming. At this stage the squirrel will be teething, you should provide a hardwood branch for it to chew on. And it would be advisable to keep it contained in a large cage or you will risk damage to your home and furnishings. You should also provide an eight by eight by twelve inch high nesting box with a three-inch entry hole, if you haven't already. It does not need to be fancy. It can even be a cardboard box, although wood is best. Give your squirrel small twigs, straw or bits of cloth so it can try to build a nest. This box is an important part of the squirrel's life. It needs to have a place where it can hide as well as sleep. Now would be the time to consider releasing your squirrel back to the wild. This will be the hardest part of its life and yours. And the usual response from children is "Why can't we keep it as a pet?" In the United States, a permit is required to keep a wild animal. While this might sound funny to some, a squirrel is a "wild" animal. And as a wild animal its behavior can be unpredictable. The only safe way to keep a squirrel in captivity is in a cage or another suitable enclosure. This will not be an easy, or pleasant task, since the squirrel cannot stand being confined. If you have raised the squirrel carefully, keeping contact to a minimum, then the transition to the wild will not be difficult. Even if human contact has been great, release is still an option, it simply requires more time and thought.
The tree squirrel is a very special animal. It is one of very few wild animals that have adapted to humans and learned to coexist with man. It can live on both natural foods and hand outs. The squirrel is an acrobatic wonder to young and old. Its large tail makes it the most recognized mammal on Earth. It amazes us with daring high wire acts, as it races through the tree branches. Its determination to find a way to get seeds from a so called "squirrel proof" bird feeder is a delight to watch. The Gray squirrel has been traced back 50 million years, from a fossil record made in North America. It is a rodent (Rodentia) in the Sciurus family. The species called Sciurus Carolinensis. The squirrel's common name can be traced back to the ancient Greeks, where Aristotle used the word "skiouros," skia meaning shade, while "oura" means tail. Thus the meaning "he who sits in the shadow of his tail" was recorded. Centuries later the French created a noun "esquirel" to describe this animal. From this the present word "squirrel" was derived. The word Gray is spelled "Grey" in the English speaking counties of Europe as well as in Canada. There are over 365 species of squirrel's or squirrel like mammals through out the world. These are divided into seven families. The three most common squirrel families are the ground squirrel, the flying squirrel and the tree squirrel. The Gray squirrel is probably the most common of the tree squirrels. They inhabit most of the northern hemisphere. The average Gray squirrel is fifteen inches long and weighs about one pound. Its diet consists of nuts, seeds and fruit. They will eat scrapes from the trash including bread, meat and even snack food. The life span of the squirrel is approximately six years. Most urban squirrels do not reach their first birthday. This is due not to predators, but rather to automobiles. Compared to its rural counterpart, which often parishes from the lack of food. There is also the Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) they are smaller then the Gray. Eight to ten inches in length, with fur that ranges from red to black. Most will have a white belly and a long fluffy red tail. Some subspecies can have red or black ear tufts. These grow more pronounced as Winter arrives. The Red squirrel is found in coniferous forests, where it feeds on the seeds and cones of the Pines, Fir's and Spruce trees.
Here are some interesting squirrel facts...Squirrel's belong to the order "Rodentia", with 1650 species, it is the largest group of living mammals. It also comprises forty percent of all present day mammal species. There are over 365 species of squirrels in seven families. They include the tree squirrel, ground squirrel, and flying squirrel. Plus many squirrel-like mammals such as the gopher, ground hog and prairie dog. Squirrels are the most active in late winter, when the mating season begins. The males will chase a females, as well as, chase off other suitors. This ritual of chasing, occurs through the trees at top speed. While they perform some of the most breathtaking acrobatics imaginable. The period of gestation varies from 33 days in the smaller species of pine squirrels, up to 60 days for the larger species such as the common gray and fox squirrels. Squirrels are usually born in the early spring. The average litter consists of four. This varies with climate and location. A second litter can occur in mid summer, if there is an adequate food supply. A female squirrel will choose the strongest male during mating season, but is unlikely to breed with that male again. This is natures way of reducing inbreeding, and to preserve the species. A baby squirrel weighs approximately one ounce at birth, and is about one inch long. They do not have hair or teeth, and are virtually blind for the first six to eight weeks. Gray squirrels come in many colors. Shades of gray are the most common followed by shades of brown. There are also pure white and pure black squirrels, but both are variations of the gray squirrel. The common Red squirrel can have an all black coat. While the Kaibab squirrel has a black body with a white tail. Both are found in coniferous forests. In the summer squirrels are most active two to three hours after sunrise, then they'll rest in the afternoon. Resuming activity again two hours before sunset. The squirrel will retire to its nest well before dark, and will rarely leave the nest in the dark. In the winter, the squirrel will complete its activities between dawn and mid- day, and will remain in or around the nest until the next day. During winter storms, or severe cold, the squirrel may not leave the nest for days. But, the tree squirrel does not hibernate! An adult squirrel normally lives alone. But will, in severe cold, share its nest with other squirrels to conserve body heat. Once the temperature rises, the guests will be on their way. Squirrels eyes are located high, and on each side of their head. This allows them a wide field of vision, without turning their head. The gray squirrels diet consists of nuts, seeds and fruit. It will eat bird eggs, bugs, and even an animal carcass if there is no other food source available. The gray squirrel requires some salt in its diet, and may find this salt in the soil along roads where snow and ice may have been. Squirrels chew on tree branches to sharpen and clean their teeth. That's why you may see many small branches on the ground around large trees. They will also chew on power lines for the same reason, this has caused many major power outages throughout the country. A squirrel's brain is about the size of a walnut. The average adult squirrel needs to eat about a pound of food a week to maintain an active life. Squirrels communicate through a series of chirps. The frequency, and the duration of the notes communicate everything from laughter to alarm. Their frequency range is normally between .01 KHz. and 10 KHz. (kilohertz). These sounds when used in conjunction with tail gestures, form the basis for squirrel communication. If a squirrel has taken up residence in your attic or crawl space, the only practical way to remove them is by trapping. A squirrel will break the shell of a nut with its teeth, then clean the nut by licking it or rubbing on its face before it is buried. This action applies a scent to the nut which helps the squirrel find it later, even under a foot of snow. The sweat glands of a tree squirrel are located on their feet, between the foot pads and on their paws between the toes. When hot or excited a squirrel will leave wet tracks on a dry surface. This scent is also used to mark the trees in their territory. If a squirrels nest becomes infested with fleas or other parasites, it will move to, or build a new nest. This is why there may be more nests then squirrels in a given area. The gray squirrel has been known to build a nest in many unusual places, in an attic or a crawl space seems to be the most common. Squirrels have also built nests in automobiles, chimney's, barbecue grills and under porches. When a squirrel senses danger, its first instinct is to stand motionless. If on the ground it will race to the closest tree, or other climbable object to escape. If it is in a tree, it will circle the trunk with its body pressed tightly to the bark. The squirrel's erratic path while crossing a street is an attempt to confuse the oncoming vehicle... thereby causing it to change direction. This is obliviously the squirrels biggest, and often last mistake. The male tree squirrel takes twice as long, as the female, to groom itself. They are the cleanest animal in the rodent family. A squirrels teeth grow continuously. Their incisor's will grow six inches per year, but stay short due to the constant wear they receive. The most common type of squirrel bite is a result of feeding a squirrel by hand. Never hold the food between your fingers, chances are very good you will be bitten. A squirrel's eyes are always looking for predators and they rarely focus on what they are eating.

The Amazon’s Lily

The Amazon’s Lily
Rebecca Stark
The troops were moving further away from the coast, feet dragging through the mosaic of tall grass. They were under the cover of the stars, their cameo uniform blending into the surrounding as they were becoming just another shadow in the trees.
“Hurry up. Hike! Come on, men!” Dr. Tony Jenkins was in the lead as they hit the first barrier of trees. He slashed out with his machete, beads of sweat coursing down his stern face. There expedition would last a week in total, they were to get in, get out. All they needed was a picture and a small sample of the, rare flower of the Amazon, which sat hidden within the thicket of the forest.
They had been traveling approximately twelve hours up river, and the heat extinguished during this summer was unremorseful and would sure to bring heavy showers soon. Camp would be set up inland, twenty yards from the river. During the night many animals like to hunt close by so they forted their tents among tees closely clustered together and a fire would be burn throughout the night to ward off any straggling critters from getting to close. Watches would be assigned in pairs, first up was Daniel Newton bio specialist form Cambridge University and Kimiko Yang Grant Director for environmental protection.
Kimiko, “So we meet again Mr. Newton.”
“Oh, have we met before? I don’t think I recall,” his smiled was illuminated by the fire licking at the bugs that swooped to near.
“Maybe you recall the coat closet…I still have that wine stain on my pocket, you know.”
“Yeah…I’m sorry about that.” He ran a hand through the thickness of his black hair.
“Don’t worry about it, my ex gave it to me, never like the thing anyways.”
“That’s a shame it looked good on you.”
She just laughed, taking a drink of water from her canteen.
There voices grew silent in the blackness continuous echoing admitted by the Amazon.
“It’s scary…” Kimiko turned her attention back on Daniel, “ to be out here like this.”
“Yeah…but I always dreamed of an adventure like this, to have a chance to put myself into situations only epic characters can really conquer.”
“Why aren’t you a Hypochondriac.”
Their laughter mingled with the white noise then went silent once more. Their shift ended two hours later, and they retreated back to their individual tents.
Sure enough morning showers were brutal, and the crew had to pack things up in a hurry, before their camp site got flooded. They were maybe uncomfortable in their sodden clothes but once the humidity catches them, it was seem like hell had unburied it’s self.
Kimiko, tied the useless mess of hair into a pony tail slinging her gear onto her back. They were ready to move on to higher ground, they were still really close to the river so the area would soon be flooded with water, if they didn’t move forward now.
Jenkin took the lead again, today they were aiming to make it thirty miles in land towards the heart, this way it would take just another day to get to the flower and then an additional two days to get back to town, and then home.
The Amazon Rain forest is green, and this green takes up 1.2 billion acres, hosting 2.5 million insect and over 2000 different bird and animal species, and a 4,000 long river snaking through this vast territory.

the troop

The troops were moving further away from the coast, feet dragging through the mosaic of tall grass. They were under the cover of the stars, their camo uniform blending into the surrounding, becoming just another shadow in the trees.
“Hurry up. Hike! Come on, men!” The Captain was in the lead, slashing out with his machete, beads of sweat coursing down his stern face.
Their boots hit the edges of a creek, and everything came to a halt as men filled canteens, and wiped there dirty faces. They were exhausted, after landing a few miles from the port of san Marco, but that was not there destination, they would settle with in the forest in North Florida, until given the signal to head forth.
“How are you holding up,” Daniel came to sit beside his comrade, who was tightening his shoe lace.
“Fine…” was the only reply he got from his bald twin companion.
“Well, Joey,” Dan ran a hand across the top of his buzz cut, feeling the hair prickle against his palm, “Did you fill you canteen, it looks like we’re moving again.”
“Yeah, I filled it, so get off my case.” The man stood, stalking off to the front of the pack. Dan followed. Everyone seemed to be very touchy since they last left home, and the idea of not being able to write their families back, has caused anger to flare through some of the troops members, Joey in particular, because he wife seemed to have came down with anemia, and it has been difficult for her to take care of their three small children.
A firm hand fell upon the young man’s shoulder, making him, jump back, holding out fists in front of him. A chuckle broke his defense, as muddy brown eyes twinkled lively, a young smile beaming at Dan.
“But your fist down bud, I didn’t mean to scare ya.”
“That’s what you always say Kyle, but I know, oh I know.”
The handsome Kyle smirked, “What do ya know?”
“I’m not really sure, but I do know who put that snake in your bag the other night.”
“You didn’t.”
“Sure did, caught it myself .” Dan stood proud his chest puffed out.

meon

Bootlegging Meon
Coca Cola had nothing on the little green bottle, I had the stuff to make them keep coming back, and they did.
“God?” I gasped that one word out from the gaps in between my teeth, letting it fall through the darkness of my cell. My chest hurts, as though someone has placed a weight upon me and started to fill me to the rim with water, I was choking on myself.
“No son, I am only a messenger,” this voice so faint, is drowning me, I can’t tell where it’s coming from, “Tell me your name.” he asked me.
My name? My name is, wait… “My name is… My name is Jeremiah, Br-Brown. Sir. I can’t breathe, sir.”
My hand fell upon my breast pocket, as I began to choke. My suit seemed to become extremely uncomfortable, and I shifted in the single chair, who’s arms held me down.
“Tell me your name, once more,” the voice asked in a politely light voice.
“It’s, Jeremiah Brown, please help me.” I am shaking now.
“Now son… Jeremiah… breathe calmly. This is not a panic room. Is this your first confession?”

“Hey there,” the faint smell of crushed roses lingered upon white skin as full lips curved into a smirked, “I saw you looking at me from across the room.”
True my gaze did fall upon her dark brown hair that curled at just the right places, while it bounced and danced between her slender shoulder blades.
“I don’t come cheap,” This harlot seemed to glide closer, “Now, I know who you are.”
“Me?” I was astounded by this news, then again, I was Jeremiah Brown.
She just nodded her pretty little head as she brushed a hand down the sleeve of my suit, “I know everybody. Worth knowing that is, but to make things more formal, I’m Meon Stone.”
“I’m Jeremiah Brown,” I said proudly.
She just smiled, nodding her head once more, “it’s nice to meet you Mr. Brown.”
She kissed my cheek that night, giggling animatedly, dabbing an embroidered handkerchief at the red stain smudged across my jaw. I wanted to touch her, I can’t deny that fact, she seemed to become just as indicative as my poison. She slyly stuffed the thin cloth within my chest pocket, before cupping my face, and running a slender finger across my lips.
“I guess I’ll see you around tough guy,” I saw her gaze linger over me, before she turned slowly on her heel and walked out on me.

“Confession?”
“Yes, your confession to God, on the sins you have committed.”
“I have done nothing wrong!” it was an instinct to reply with this, and my hands trembled, so I stuffed them into my pockets, only to scrape a finger against a bottle cap.

Who am I to say what’s right or wrong in this type of industry, money is money, if you have to knock a few heads in, to get far, then it isn’t such a bad sacrifice. For others though, they just don’t have the stomach to fetch red lips from the broad next door. 1919, what’s there to say, if you didn’t know where to go, that is.
There was always a party going on, always a drink to be hidden, and bootlegging to be haggled. Now, not everyone could get rich like Al Capone, but you could get a reputation, that was just as good as gold. The names Jeremiah Brown, my territory was fifth and Brunswick, every convent store was another gate way.
So it starts with this door, I can’t say it was the pearly gates to heaven, even though some bastards thought of it that way, but it was a door hiding a pearl. A stone that wooed you into it arms, as soon as your lips hit the warm seeping substance of the liquor. Everyone wanted a taste of the little green leprechaun, but first, you need to know the past word.
“Hey Ricky,” I waved at the attendant behind the counter of my cover up.
Unfortunately, Ricky wasn’t really one for words so, he just nodded his head and grunted, lighting a cigarette, letting the trail of smoke dance off the red tip toward the ceiling that seemed to have yellowed. Wasting no time, I found the back door, leading to storage, past the shelves of empty boxes, there was the exit to the back alley, and across that was the door.
I wrapped my knuckles against the hard wood twice, and I saw the slide being pulled back from the top of the door, and a pair of dark rimmed eyes, peer through.












































I was a cool cat, walking down the street in a vintage suit, and a toothpick idolizing my teeth. I could feel those stares, envious of my position, my title. Each and every one of them would have loved to be in my shoes, or the shoes of my drug.



I remembered the first time, I was refused a drink.

The booze was being slowly poured into the mouths of the sewer monsters, my head ached for that temptation being thrown away like another useless worker. I could almost feel tears for that bossy poison. Those people didn’t know what they were giving away, and I felt sorry for them, each time I pocketed the green.


I was invited to this canal club, this snotty party, with snooty people, who have way too much money carrying them down. I was definitely out of place, they could smell the bootlegging right off the bottom of my shoes, but I held strong, as I pranced around the room, holding conversations that didn’t go anywhere, and sipping down glass after glass of water. Then as though the red sea itself had parted, there by the entrance to the pool room with this Brod, her curves chiseled out of the finest of ivory skin.




The flappers are a group of women, who disobey the rules in the slightest of things. But these women are so seductive with the power they possess, it’s scary and exhilarating. Every one knew their name, just as well as they knew mine.
And I fell in love with one, she was a scarlet of heaven, and as she walked down the street I could see the forming of “Harlot” surrounding everyone’s tongue and I couldn’t help but smirk at their naivety
She said she comes with a price tag, how many wanna have placed a number upon their bosom. I already knew women were just more of something to harass money for.
How can you describe something so perfect, so broken, how will you ever really recover once you know what happens beneath her sheets. It’s kind of like a car, to truly know the mechanics, you need a glimpse beneath the hood and ride around the block. No one wants a used broken down pick-up. We leave those as emergency booty calls and quickies.


“So your not such a bid tough girl after all.”
“You don’t know me,” she scoffed wrenching her arm away from him.
“Honny, everyone knows you. Meon you’re the town harlot, every man has touched, or if they aren’t lucky enough for that, they sure dream about the aspect of your sheets.”

“You’ve been stealing business away from me again, and I don’t like it. Freddy tape him.”
“I don’t like to share my property.”
“Who said you own me?”
“Oh honny, if it weren’t for me, you still would be eating out of trash cans and growing up in a abrothel.”
“You don’t know me.”
“I know enough,” he glanced the length of her body.

“Hush Dolly Girl,” I ran gentle fingers along the top bead of feathers, adoring the white color of the Cacadu. The bird squawked once more, wings bristling, then folding, “sh…” I pulled a cracker from my pouches and held it steadily in front of the orange beak, “shhh…” I whispered, bringing the bird, so proudly perched on my arm, to my face so I could gaze into those forlorn eyes. The bird said nothing as it took the cracker.

BLATZ

BLATZ
Once an industrial building, now renovated into Teweles Seed Tower apartment, is home to resident Eric Pine. A man who works behind a desk, eighty hours a week, filing through paper work, and nodding his head, as his boss breathed down his neck, with hot heavy breath. But Mr. Pine had a secret, which surpassed the two minuet coffee break. Like superman, it took only a moment for him to slip into his true identity and take on the town with a can of red paint and bell bottoms.
Eric had gotten home from work, pulling off his blue blazer and flopped down upon his shaggy bed.
Tap, tap tap…ring…ring…ring…
“Hello…” A hand fell across blurry eyes. It was 8:30 in the afternoon, and there was the dense smell of beer and cat piss extinguishing from the walls, molding into a blanket that fell over Eric Pine.
“Hey bu-ddy,” It was Luis.
“Hello…” Eric repeated the greeting, turning his head just long enough to catch a glimpse of the digital clock standing on his nightstand.
“Me and some of the guys wanted to know if you wanted to catch the game.”
“Game?” He sat up slowly running a hand through his hair, detesting the thought of staying one more second…”I don’t know. Tonight isn’t so good.” Eric laid back down.
“Come on. I promise it will be fun. Plus we were talking to Bethany the other night, and I have to say. I think she kind of likes you. If you know what I mean.”
Bethany was blond, very pretty, not the greatest style sense, and wanted everyone to like her. Eric was simply uninterested when it came to the long leg beauty…in fact his interest lied within a blue collared…He just wasn’t interested.
“Maybe another night.”
“It’s always another night, come on you need to loosen up once. It’s no good to sit in your apartment all day doing things you could be doing at someone else’s house…like…Bethany’s Flat by the lake.” Eric could feel the probing of an elbow in his side, as he buried his face within a pillow.
“No thank you,” he muffled through stuffed feathers.
“What?”
“I said…” he removed the pillow, “I don’t think it’s a goof time…I…I just broke up with my girlfriend. I’m not ready to day again so soon.” But in fact, in truth Eric never had a girlfriend, her wasn’t unattractive or anything, he just wasn’t, “interested”.
“Man that’s all the more reason for you to go out tonight.” Luis was being quite persistent, and if Eric didn’t end this babbling soon, he may be dragged along to the drunken plains of…
“I’m sorry it’s just going to be a no…I have to go…Bye.” He quickly hung up the phone before Luis could retaliate with another jab of his metal elbow.
With a heavy sigh Eric clamped his hands over his eyes, which was received with a groan from his stomach that lurched violently, empty. Eric peered through spread fingers, to evaluate the exposed piping that lined the ceiling above.
He was again entranced with the leaky faucet…
Tap, tap, tap…Bang, bang, bang…
Someone seemed to be fusing at the door, Eric glanced at the digital clock once more. 8:36. He forced himself up much to his discomfort. Running a hand through his curly hair, he unfortunately tore at a few knots that had developed there. Disentangling his lanky fingers he adjusted his shirt and got up from his bed.
Bang, bang, bang…
“I’m coming!” He shouted as he shuffled across carpet.
Bang, bang, bang…
Eric was now developing a headache, and sourly flung open his door, just as a fist was about to pelt upon the laminated wood. A grumpy faced women stood, in a grey sweater dressed which hung over wrinkly knees covered by a pair of green poke dotted socks, she seemed to be carrying a distinguishing smell that clouded over her aura.
“Umm…Mrs. Kibbler…is there something wrong?”
“Something Wrong! Something…” she pierced her lips together, grinding her teeth as she turned her fist into an accusing finger that she used to jab Eric’s chest. “Your mail got into my mailbox again. Your mail! Now I know that mailbox three-twenty eight is not your mailbox, now is it?”
“No…”
“Exactly! Your mailbox is three-twenty nine! Now if I’m correct, there is no eight in the number three hundred and twenty nine.”
“No ma’am…”
“Then why is Gods holy name, was your mail doing in my mailbox!” Spittle was extinguished from her lips this time, as drool leaked from the corners of her mouth.
“I’m…sorry…” Eric took a step back.
“You should be sorry! I had to miss my Bingo just to give you your God Damn mail that you could have picked up from your own Freaking mailbox!” She thrust the letters into his chest, before turning on her heel and heading back across the hall to her apartment.
“Sorry…” Eric tried to apologize again, but only gained the slamming of a door, that echoed like an angry ghost ricocheting off the walls. With another sigh he exited into his apartment.
“Electric bill, coupon for Netflix, water bill, bill, bill…Blatz” A pink envelop was aspiring the the white envelopes. He Dropped the rest of his mail on his kitchen counter as he tore open this odd letter. A cascade of glitter fell out were they would stay hidden within the cracks of the kitchen tiles. Alongside the gold sparkles was a letter the same shade as the envelope, with fancy lettering scorn the paper.
We would like to inform you that we are having costume night at B-ATZ The twenty third evening of October. We would love for you to join us on this exciting expedition the nightlife. We saw that you had similar interest in previous bars like Pink, Charlies, and the Mond, and we would like to just try out our place, we have raving music, and lots of singles waiting to have some fun. And it’s not a party without you! We are located in down town Milwaukee across from Marquette University and down the block from UWM. Hope to see you there. Kisses, BLATZ.
“Hmmm…” Eric checked the microwave clock. It was 8:45. He placed the letter on the counter and headed to his bedroom once more. But instead of flopping onto his bed, he opened his walk-in closet…
He shaved his face, touched up his blemishes, fixed his “hair”, polished his nails, and put on his spunky batman outfit, which was so not a batman outfit at all but a… It was 9:34 when he headed out the door, slinking down the stairs to the streets bellow. I-94 seemed to be lit up with head lights, which flew past the fence across the street from Teweles. Eric got into his Cadillac, starting up the engine that whined and groaned before coming to life. The car squealed as he pulled out of the parking spot and hurtled away to the towering city of Milwaukee.
As fall was hurtling into the city, the small patches of scenery were turning golden brown along Lake Michigan, as trees ran stark naked, as the light pollution exempted any and all on lookers from the stars hidden by hazy factory smoke. But the twinkling of far off steam boats trudging along the banks gave the place a little flare against the Indian Casino that, shouted “Give me your money!”
Yet, within all this was a place, a place mush like that place on Third Street and the other one in German Town. It was called B-ATZ. Eric heard it from, acquaintances that he had met, this place was thee place, hotter than the sun, and spicy-licous…even though that’s not a work, it is at B-ATZ. He had printed out the direction from mapquest, and as he stopped at a red light he looked them over once more and headed forward.
He founded it quite easily the lights were dimmed in side and the music seemed to be vibrating along the side wake. He straightened himself, before taking a deep breath and entered B-ATZ