Publish or Perish

by Kevin Z. Garvey

About the Author: Kevin Z. Garvey's crime fiction has appeared at Spinetingler, Thuglit, Out of the Gutter, Shotgun Honey and other publications. In addition to writing, Garvey is an award-winning combat sports ring announcer and member of the NJ State Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Visit him on the web at kevinzgarvey.com.

Excerpt

Finally, after hours of waiting, you see the editor drive up to his curb. Your hands start to shake as adrenaline pumps through your veins. A voice inside you tells you that you’re making a terrible mistake, that you should forget this stupid idea and go home. But you ignore the voice. You didn’t come this far to chicken out. Reaching down, you finger the revolver in your waistband. It strengthens your resolve.

You get out of your car and approach the editor. The editor doesn’t see you, his back is turned. He’s out of his car now, walking towards his house. You walk faster, catching up. When you are at arm’s length away, you glance around. Seeing that the coast is clear, you withdraw the pistol and press the muzzle against the back of his neck.

“Freeze,” you say in a menacing voice.

The editor freezes.

“Now turn around,” you say. “Slow.”

The editor does as he is told. Now he is facing you. His expression is quizzical, afraid. You point to your car, the faded blue sedan partway down the block. “See that car?” you say. “Get in.”

The editor asks you which car, why are you doing this, what’s going on? You tell him to shut up and get moving. You walk him over to your car. Opening the passenger door, you gesture for him to get in.

Story Comments