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About the Author: James Blakey is a network engineer in suburban Philadelphia. His story "The Case of the Vanishing Unicorns" appeared in the December 2015 issue of Mystery Weekly Magazine.
The cool salt air blows on my face. Above, dark purple neon lights buzz like angry mosquitoes and proclaim “Baltic Avenue Diner.” One of the n’s is burned out and the l flickers every couple of seconds. Dull green plastic siding encases the building and cardboard covers one window. My stomach rumbles; I haven’t eaten since breakfast.
I push the door open, ringing the bell duct taped to the handle. Inside a dozen or so people pick at their meals. One or two glance up, dismiss me and return to their conversations. I grab a stool at the counter and drop my duffle bag on the floor.
A plump, gray-haired waitress with Fran on her nametag pours me a cup of coffee. “How do you take it?”
“Black is fine.”
“You’re not from around here, are you?” she asks.
“Nope. Thought maybe I’d try a new start in a new town.” I sip my coffee. Strong. “If a man were looking for work, where would he go?”
She thinks for a moment. “The Electric Company is looking for folks with lineman experience.”
I shake my head. “I have trouble enough changing a light bulb.”
“The Water Works always needs more manual labor.”
I smile. “That sounds more my speed.”
“And there’s always the casino,” she says with a frown. “They’ve sucked this town dry, but they always seem to be hiring.”
Brilliant concept! You've raised the bar, my man!
Ha! Got Me! Love It!
This was a nice little story, really enjoyed reading it!
Ingenious story idea! Very cleverly written! I truly enjoyed the read!!! Bring on another...
Lovely. Nice twist. Enjoyed it.
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