Suspense, Mystery, Horror and Thriller Fiction - Suspense Magazine
Suspense, Mystery, Horror and Thriller Fiction - Suspense Magazine
Suspense, Mystery, Horror and Thriller Fiction - Suspense Magazine
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
Free<br />
Lunch By<br />
Missy’s gone…<br />
Those two words were all Jerry’s wife left for him in a panicked, mid-morning voicemail on his office line. Why she didn’t<br />
call his cell, or text him for God’s sake, he didn’t know. It was typical behavior for Nancy, though. The woman just wasn’t<br />
capable of making good decisions.<br />
He had been stuck in a meeting with the City Council all morning <strong>and</strong> hadn’t gotten the message until nearly noon. Two<br />
full hours wasted because she couldn’t send a fucking text message.<br />
He pulled the Blackberry off his belt as he left the office, but before he could scroll through his contacts to find the entry<br />
marked home, the phone started to vibrate in his h<strong>and</strong>.<br />
“Jerry Shannon,” he said.<br />
His throat was dry <strong>and</strong> his mouth tasted like dirty s<strong>and</strong>, but his voice was smooth, unwavering <strong>and</strong> professional.<br />
“Hey Jerry, I hate to bother you, but I’ve got your wife down here at the police station.”<br />
“My wife?” he asked. “At the station? Is she all right?”<br />
There were so many more questions he wanted to ask, but fought the urge. Remain calm, he thought. Never let them see<br />
you sweat.<br />
“Everything’s fine, she’s just a bit upset.”<br />
The voice sounded vaguely familiar, but Jerry couldn’t quite place it.<br />
“Well, I’m sorry if she’s caused you any problems…uh, can I ask who this is?”<br />
“It’s Bill,” the voice said.<br />
“Oh, Chief Conroy, I thought it might be you,” Jerry said, only partially relieved. Bill Conroy would keep this between the<br />
two of them if possible, <strong>and</strong> only call in a favor or two down the road. “I’m just stepping out of the office now. I’ll be there in<br />
five minutes <strong>and</strong> get her out of your hair.”<br />
“No problem, Jerry, just get here before the Mayor shows up <strong>and</strong> everything will be fine,” he said.<br />
“Can you tell me what’s going on?” Jerry asked.<br />
There was no reply. Chief Conroy had already hung up.<br />
<strong>Suspense</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.com<br />
Sean Baron<br />
2011 Short Story Contest Submission<br />
67