Flowers in a Dumpster

Home > Other > Flowers in a Dumpster > Page 23
Flowers in a Dumpster Page 23

by Mark Allan Gunnells


  She reached out and pecked out the word ‘Reflections’ then hit enter. The screen went white for a moment, and then Mace Hunter’s inbox popped up. Vanessa had not expected success, and it took her overwrought brain a moment to realize she had, in fact, succeeded. She leaned forward, not wanting to admit what this meant, not wanting to think about the implications.

  There was only one new message waiting in Mace’s inbox, and it was from her husband. With trembling fingers, Vanessa opened the email.

  TO: [email protected]

  FROM: [email protected]

  SUBJECT: Two Halves of the Same Whole

  Mace, I simply cannot wait until you get here.

  You understand me like no one ever has, and having you here will mean so much to me. I know it may be a bit presumptuous, but perhaps you could even extend your visit indefinitely. I need someone like you in my life.

  I have come to realize that I’ve been kidding myself by thinking Ness will ever be able to understand me. She doesn’t get it, and she never will. All she does is throw up obstacles, and I don’t foresee her changing. I think you are right. I don’t need that kind of negativity. It is time that I got rid of her. I think I have known that for some time now, but I didn’t want to face it. But when you are here, standing by my side, together we will have the strength to do what needs to be done. I won’t have any use for her once you are here.

  We’ll take care of her, then we can live happily ever after.

  Rich

  Vanessa bolted up as if she’d received an electrical shock. The chair rolled away on its wheels, stopping only when it banged into a glass-fronted bookcase. Vanessa stared down at the email, her breath sounding loud and ragged in her own ears, her hands clammy and cold. Richard needed help, serious professional help. She had to admit to herself that he was quite possibly dangerous. She needed to get out of the house, and quickly.

  Vanessa turned toward the door and froze, a tiny squeak leaving her lips. It sounded like a rubber-soled shoe skidding on a freshly waxed floor. Richard stood in the threshold, blocking the way out, staring at his wife. He did not move. He did not blink. His expression was blank and utterly unreadable.

  “Richard,” Vanessa said, trying to make her voice firm but failing. When her husband did not respond, she said, “Rich?”

  Still Richard did not move. He barely seemed to be breathing. Vanessa looked into his eyes and saw nothing but a stranger.

  Backing away from the door, realizing that there was nowhere for her to go, Vanessa looked at the man in the doorway, a man who looked like her husband but wasn’t, and said in a quavering voice, “Mace . . . ?”

  THE END?

  Not at all.

  If you enjoyed this book, I’m sure you’ll also like the following titles:

  The Outsiders Lovecraftian shared-world anthology—They’ll do anything to protect their way of life. Anything. Welcome to Priory, a small gated community in the UK, where the only thing worse than an ancient monster is the group worshipping it. Is that which slithers below true evil, or does evil reside in the people of Priory? Includes stories by Stephen Bacon, James Everington, Rosanne Rabinowitz, V.H. Leslie, and Gary Fry.

  Tales from The Lake Vol.1 anthology—Remember those dark and scary nights spent telling ghost stories and other campfire stories? With the Tales from The Lake horror anthologies, you can relive some of those memories by reading the best Dark Fiction stories around. Includes Dark Fiction stories and poems by horror greats such as Graham Masterton, Bev Vincent, Tim Curran, Tim Waggoner, Elizabeth Massie, and many more. Be sure to check out our website for future Tales from The Lake volumes.

  Through a Mirror, Darkly by Kevin Lucia—Are there truths within the books we read? What if the book delves into the lives of the very town you live in? People you know? Or thought you knew. These are the questions a bookstore owner face when a mysterious book shows up.

  Where You Live by Gary McMahon—Horror is everywhere, in the shadows and in the light. It takes on every shape, comes in every conceivable size. But most of all it’s right where you live. With the WHERE YOU LIVE short story collection, Gary McMahon delves into the depths of dark and brooding horror in every day events, objects, and the ghost of human nature.

  Samurai and Other Stories by William Meikle—No one can handle Scottish folklore with elements of the darkest horror, science fiction and fantasy, suspense and adventure like William Meikle.

  Stuck On You and Other Prime Cuts by Jasper Bark—A word of caution gentle reader, these tales will take you places you’ve never been before and may never dare revisit. They’ll whisper truths so twisted you can only face them in the darkest hours of the night. They’ll unlock desires so decadent you’ll never wash their taint from your flesh.

  Tricks, Mischief and Mayhem by Daniel I. Russell—Tricks, Mischief and Mayhem. These are not just some of the themes lurking in this tome of horror, but the names of three mischievous carnival clowns. Along with them you’ll meet some of Australia’s most popular monsters and legends, along with a popular cast of ghosts, demons, and zombies. Hell, there are more than a few stories portraying nature fighting back.

  If you ever thought of becoming an author, I’d also like to recommend these non-fiction titles:

  Horror 101: The Way Forward—a comprehensive overview of the Horror fiction genre and career opportunities available to established and aspiring authors, including Jack Ketchum, Graham Masterton, Edward Lee, Lisa Morton, Ellen Datlow, Ramsey Campbell, and many more.

  Modern Mythmakers: 35 interviews with Horror and Science Fiction Writers and Filmmakers by Michael McCarty—Ever wanted to hang out with legends like Ray Bradbury, Richard Matheson, and Dean Koontz? Modern Mythmakers is your chance to hear fun anecdotes and career advice from authors and filmmakers like Forrest J. Ackerman, Ray Bradbury, Ramsey Campbell, John Carpenter, Dan Curtis, Elvira, Neil Gaiman, Mick Garris, Laurell K. Hamilton, Jack Ketchum, Dean Koontz, Graham Masterton, Richard Matheson, John Russo, William F. Nolan, John Saul, Peter Straub, and many more.

  Writers On Writing: An Author’s Guide —Your favorite authors share their secrets in the ultimate guide to becoming and being and author. With your support, Writers On Writing will become an ongoing eBook series with original ‘On Writing’ essays by writing professionals. A new edition will be launched every few months, featuring four or five essays per edition, so be sure to check out the webpage regularly for updates.

  Or check out other Crystal Lake Publishing books for your Dark Fiction, Horror, Suspense, and Thriller needs.

  BIOGRAPHY

  Mark Allan Gunnells loves to tell stories. He has since he was a kid, penning one-page tales that were Twilight Zone knockoffs. He likes to think he has gotten a little better since then. He has been lucky enough to work with some wonderful publishers such as Apex Publishing, Bad Moon Books, Journalstone, Evil Jester Press, Etopia, Sideshow Press, Sinister Grin, Great Old Ones, Crystal Lake Publishing, and Gallows Press. He loves reader feedback, and above all he loves telling stories. He lives in Greer, SC, with his fiancé Craig A. Metcalf.

  CONNECT WITH CRYSTAL LAKE PUBLISHING:

  Website

  (and receive a free eBook by joining our newsletter)

  Facebook

  Twitter

  With unmatched success since 2012, Crystal Lake Publishing has quickly become one of the world’s leading indie publishers of Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense books with a Dark Fiction edge.

  Crystal Lake Publishing puts integrity, honor and respect at the forefront of our operations.

  We strive for each book and outreach program that’s launched to not only entertain and touch or comment on issues that affect our readers, but also to strengthen and support the Dark Fiction field and its authors.

  Not only do we publish authors who are legends in the field and as hardworking as us, but we look for men and women who care about their readers and fellow human beings. We only publish the very best Dark Fiction, and look forward to launching ma
ny new careers.

  We strive to know each and every one of our readers, while building personal relationships with our authors, reviewers, bloggers, pod-casters, bookstores and libraries.

  Crystal Lake Publishing is and will always be a beacon of what passion and dedication, combined with overwhelming teamwork and respect, can accomplish: Unique fiction you can’t find anywhere else.

  We do not just publish books, we present you worlds within your world, doors within your mind, from talented authors who sacrifice so much for a moment of your time.

  This is what we believe in. What we stand for. This will be our legacy.

  WELCOME TO CRYSTAL LAKE PUBLISHING.

  We hope you enjoyed this title. If so, we’d be grateful if you could leave a review on your blog or any of the other websites and outlets open to book reviews. Reviews are like gold to writers and publishers, since word-of-mouth is and will always be the best way to market a great book. And remember to keep an eye out for more of our books.

  THANK YOU FOR PURCHASING THIS EBOOK

 

 

 


‹ Prev