The King's Island

by John M. Floyd

About the Author: John M. Floyd's short fiction has appeared in AHMM, EQMM, Strand Magazine, Mystery Magazine, The Saturday Evening Post, and three editions of Best American Mystery Stories. John is also an Edgar nominee, a four-time Derringer Award winner, the 2018 recipient of the Edward D. Hoch Memorial Golden Derringer Award for lifetime achievement, and the author of nine books.

Excerpt

“Uncle Edward?”

Edward Barrett turned to face his niece. She was sitting on a towel in the sand beside his beach chair, hugging her knees and watching the rolling blue ocean. For a moment Edward imagined he was looking at his younger sister Jessica, forty years ago. Little Suzie had the same dark hair and green eyes. “What is it, Suze?”

“Mom says we have to leave tomorrow.”

“I know. It’s been good having you both here.”

She stayed quiet a moment. “Isn’t that the same beach chair you had when I was a little girl?”

“You’re still a little girl.”

“I’m eleven,” she said.

“That’s true. I sit corrected.” Edward raised his head and studied the worn chair he was sprawled on, in his cutoff jeans and T-shirt. “Since I only have one beach chair, I guess this is it.”

“Why don’t you get a new one?”

“Because I like it.”

“I liked our old car,” Suzie said, “but I’m glad Mom bought us another one.”

Edward nodded. “The women in our family are wise beyond their years.”

She seemed to be about to say something else, probably on that subject, when her eyes widened. “I almost forgot!” She dug around in her pocket and thrust her hand out. “Look at this.”

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