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About the Author: T.L. Huchu’s work has appeared in Interzone, AfroSF, The Apex Book of World SF 5, Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, The Year’s Best Crime and Mystery Stories 2016, and elsewhere. He enjoys working across different genres, especially SFF, crime and literary fiction. Currently, he’s working on a new fantasy series Ghostalker. Find him @TendaiHuchu.
Please loosen these cuffs, I can’t feel my hands.
Oh, that’s nice. The blood’s rushing back in. You have no idea what a relief that is.
Folks call me El Chappie on account of the fact I’m fat, round, and, under the right light, it’s said I resemble a certain Joaquín Guzmán. You’re nodding, people often do when I out myself like that. It’s, like, I’m confirming something they couldn’t themselves say in this PC age of ours, but I ain’t no snowflake. My similarities with my double are limited to my diminutive height, stubby nose, curly hair, the penchant for moustaches, and I happen to share that intense stare you find in the pictures of the Mexican drug lord on the Internet. That’s about it. I hope it goes without saying that I’m not Hispanic, am half the dude’s age, and have never been in charge of a multinational narcotics operation responsible for murder and mayhem across several international borders. But, and this is a big but, while I’ve not achieved the same level of notoriety, I still like to think that my moniker is well-earned.
See, my life of crime began in your country, about seven, eight years ago. That’s round about the same length of time bin Laden was in hiding, right? See, I’m up there with him too.
I’m dying for a smoke here. I promise I’ll tell you everything you want if you let me have one … Okay, I’ll settle for a coffee instead. Pretty please … What else do you guys want from me?
Timely! Very well written. Poignant!
A well written story that tugs at my heart. The dreadful thing is, it’s probably true.
Excellent story. From the first sentence to the last you’re wanting to know what’s next, there’s no setting it down to finish later. Wonderfully worded, beautifully constructed, a thought provoking read. Thank you.
El Chappie is hilarious! I had to read through to the end in one glorious sitting. I laughed and understood and hung on to his every word. Loved the word play as well. Thank you for this story!!! Write on...
That was a surprise … nice story
I particularly enjoyed this one.
Beautiful.
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