Working Stiff

by Kevin J. Anderson

  Hairy Harry glanced back at the big spiked ring. “A dog can dream, can’t he? Most people think I’m larger than life. I wanted my dog to be the same.”

  I thought I understood.

  The werewolf cop leaned against the brick wall. “I feel so much more content now that he’s back. Lucky calms me, keeps me at peace, guards me against my nightmares … and all those memories.” Hairy Harry hung his head. “Now that I’ve got Lucky back, the Quarter doesn’t have to worry about some infuriated monster wreaking havoc anymore. Lucky’s calmed me enough. I can handle the stress now.”

  I was confused. “Isn’t Lucky the one that caused the damage to the old warehouse and the New Deadwood Saloon?”

  Hairy Harry blinked his yellow eyes, then chuffed out in laughter. “No—that was me. When I have an episode, sometimes I go a little … crazy. After what happened to Amy, and all the guilt and trauma I went through, I’ve been diagnosed with severe PTSD. I get flashbacks, panic attacks. They turn me into a wild beast. I can’t control it. Lucky’s my service dog, assigned to me as my best friend. It’s therapy.”

  “That raging destructive hairy monster was you?” I asked, still trying to wrap my head around it.

  “Lucky keeps me centered, calms even the worst flashbacks.” On the back porch, he bent over and slapped his knees. “Here, boy! Come here, Lucky!” The hellhound bounded over, wagging his tail from the hindquarters on down. He didn’t seem to hold the neutering against Hairy. The dog leaped up, placed his paws on his master’s shoulders and slobbered all over his face.

  Hairy Harry laughed. The dog let out a yip, and the werewolf responded with a loud howl. When they circled and started to sniff each other’s behinds, I decided the case was solved and hurried back to the office.

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  About the Author

  Kevin J. Anderson has published over 125 books, more than fifty of which have been national or international bestsellers. He has written numerous novels in the Star Wars, X-Files, and Dune universes, as well as a unique steampunk fantasy novel, Clockwork Angels, based on the concept album by legendary rock group Rush. His original works include the Saga of Seven Suns series, the Terra Incognita fantasy trilogy, the Saga of Shadows trilogy, and his humorous horror series featuring Dan Shamble, Zombie PI. He has edited numerous anthologies, including the Five by Five and Blood Lite series.

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  Additional Copyright Info

  “Stakeout at the Vampire Circus”

  First published as a Kensington eBook; first print publication in Slimy Underbelly by Kevin J. Anderson, Kensington Books, 2014.

  “Road Kill”

  First published in eBook form from WordFire Press (2012); first print publication in Mister October: An Anthology in Memory of Rick Hautala, vol II, edited by Christopher Golden, Journalstone Books, November 2013.

  “Naughty & Nice”

  First published in eBook form from WordFire Press (2013); first print publication in A Fantastic Holiday Season: The Gift of Stories, edited by Kevin J. Anderson and Keith J. Olexa, WordFire Press, 2014.

  “Locked Room”

  First published in In Shambles anthology, Jesse Duckworth, ed., Harren Press, 2014.

  “The Writing on the Wall”

  First published in Dark Discoveries magazine—Issue #28, JournalStone Publishing, 2014.

  “Role Model”

  First published in Fiction River: Fantastic Detectives, Kristine Kathryn Rusch, ed., WMG Publishing, 2014.

  “Beware of Dog”

  First published in Streets of Shadows anthology, edited by Maurice Broaddus and Jerry Gordon, Alliteration Ink, 2014.

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