Ink Stained Paper Cuts

The detective scrutinized the clue on the table before flicking his gaze to Linus. Middle-aged paunch hung over his waistband, hairline receding, stained fingers played a nervous staccato on his thigh as Linus tried to ignore the lifeless body in the nearby chair. “Any visitors?” the detective asked. “No one visits the old bat.” “Tea?” the Detective pointed at a mug. Linus nodded, eyes twitching. “There’s tobacco leaves floating amongst the dregs.” “I added ginger!” “Yes, to mask the tobacco….

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The men sat in straight-backed chairs around the table, unaware of the numerous ears the walls had. By morning’s end, Riverton would have more information to aid the colonists in the war effort. When Samuel, Riverton’s secret partner in the coffeehouse, entered, he ignored him. Glanced towards the papers with the hidden cipher sitting on the counter. A British officer scrutinized the newssheet. Unnerved, Riverton remained calm, heartbeat steady. Sally called the officer’s name. Oblivious he loved a spy, he…

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Michale’s guinea pig had been his last reminder of earth, the place a fleeting memory from the time before his parents became leaders of planet Thore 6Q4, the robotically run city everyone wants to join — except Michael. Throat thickening, he struggled not to cry as he stepped inside Nebula, the nursery for new planets the world would someday occupy. He spilled his pet’s remains into the rising gas. Heart pounding, Michael stood dumbfounded as something within the swirling purple…

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