Georgie glanced at Dad in his favorite Christmas sweater stringing colorful lights across the front of the house. This used to be Georgie’s favorite holiday, too, until all the kids laughed at her during lunch today. “Santa’s not real,” Georgie said. Dad arched an eyebrow. “Says who?” “The kids at school said Santa’s for babies.” “Well, I believe in Santa.” Georgie rolled her eyes. “You’re thirty, Dad.” “Sure, but every year I get what I ask for.” “You ask for…
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….
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…
Deep in the Ancient Wilds, a small sapling wandered to the edge of her forest and spotted a hatchling howling. Its orange scales glinted in the sun as it tried to wrestle free from the suffocating dragonsnare. She hurried to help, but the hatchling snarled and wisps of smoke escaped its nostrils. Maplechatter inched forward, rested a trembling hand on the hatchlings nose, and spoke in low tones, while breaking the vine’s enchantment. A dragon soared overhead and landed before…