My wife emerged from the shower, her appearance devoid of any evidence of the recent events. She greeted my friend with a handshake that evolved into a lingering hug. After bidding farewell, we departed from his apartment. "Darling, I think I'll sit in the back. I'm feeling a bit fatigued," I informed her as I opened the car door. "Of course, no problem," she responded, taking the driver's seat. She tossed a bag into the...

I’m a Wife Guy, okay? Let’s get that out of the way. I started working mall security over the summer – just a little something to keep the bills paid until classes start back up. It’s not what I would call a challenging job, basically standing about in my cut-off sleeves and padded vest (Bulletproof, you ask? Ha!) and give folks the eye coming in and out of the glass doors. Being naturally blessed as a stocky fellow, I’d...

I sit in our apartment, excitement causing my heart to quicken its pace. A threshold is on the verge of being crossed, one that beckons me forward. Well, not me precisely, but my wife, who sits across from me, her cheeks flushing with anticipation as her thoughts wander. Our mutual acquaintance is in the bathroom, unaware of the subtle tension between us. My wife fidgets, her nerves taut, her gaze meeting mine as she bite...

Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck! I didn’t… I wasn’t… How did I get myself into these situations? I peeked through the blinds at the scene outside the office. At least three police cars were now parked outside with their doors open like shields, armed police arrayed around them. Actually armed, like, with guns! I’d never even seen a real gun before today. “Release the girl and come out with your hands on your head,” came the ins...

My name is Allie.   It was the summer before my senior year in college. I had worked in a summer camp outside Portland , Maine ever since I was in High School. Today, I had worked alongside my summer buddy Rodger Briggs, preparing for the campers arrival tomorrow. Rodger had been a counselor in the camp for about as long as I had been. After work we were shooting pool enjoying a beer in a local pub. I was a big city guy,...