Strange Tales for Cozy Nights 1

by Brian Bakos

  ***

  Frank Kough had just gone over his pitiful list of salable items again and was pondering the grim prospect of visiting a loan shark when the check from his brother arrived. His amazement upon opening the envelope almost knocked him over.

  Had some dormant chord of sympathy been struck in his brother’s heart? A note dispelled the idea:

  You’ve got until December 15 to pay this back.

  Just in time for Christmas. A legal document accompanied the check. Not until Frank committed to the repayment terms would Joey’s bank release the funds.

  “Prick!” Frank sneered. “We’ll show you!”

  Then he chuckled. He couldn’t help but congratulate himself for bruising Joey’s vanity in such a profitable fashion. He filled out the form, nearly punching his ballpoint through the paper.