Crime 55: February 2002

Articles in this Topic Discussions in this Topic

Feb 20, 2002

This was the contest:

While criminal trials may drag on for months or even years, a criminal act may take but only a moment.
Blink, and it's over.
You are hereby charged to write an entire crime in just fifty-five words. No more, no less.
How short is that, you might ask?
This little piece is exactly fifty-five words.

As always, I received some great entries. It seems the focus this time around was on poisoning. Very cool!

Thanks to judges Dave, Greg, and Kay for your help.

Here are the runners-up and winner:

Live to Tell by Laurie McClearn

The syringe held a lethal dose of his purest loathing, to rid him of his "little indiscretion."
The ER nurse burst into the room, "Dr. Grantham your wife is on line six."
"Thank you," Grantham said as the needle slid into the IV port. Barely surviving the crash, he ensured she wouldn't live to tell.

Mine, Mine and Mine by Thushari Nanayakkara

Standing on the edge of the cliff, with calm waters of the river almost 100 feet below, Mark spread his hands in an eagle gesture, breathing deeply.
"Living is sweet."
"So is revenge," Paul watched him hit the rocky waters below.

Back in the city, Paul headed towards Mark's residence, ready to become a widow.

Last Kiss by ASY

Tom was completely unprepared for his reaction. Mary loved having fun with men, he had endured it because he loved her. But he finally snapped when she started kissing Marty, in front of everyone at the party. That night he poured morphine into her bedtime glass of milk, sat back smiling and watched her die . . .

A is for Angel (of Death) by Thushari Nanayakkara

I shook the liquor bottle to dissolve the crushed Valium. It hit him pretty soon. I dragged him to the car, set him on the seat, and allowed the motor to run, filling the sealed garage with fumes to take his life.

Driving my brand new Jaguar, I just passed the board: "Welcome to Mexico."

And our winner:

The Wrong Demise by H. Robi Mc Donald

Wealthy Griswell plans to end his miserable existence. A lethal bourbon cocktail awaits in his prized jewelled chalice.
Sudden shattering of glass and shuffling, startle him.
"Don't move", warns the voice, "I have a gun"! Griswell smiles.
The thief spies the chalice, mocks a toast and drinks.
"Shoot!", pleads Griswell. "Shoot, before it's too"... (THUD).

Nice work to all entrants - this was a good group of stories.

Go To Page: 1 2

The copyright of the article Crime 55: February 2002 in Crime Stories is owned by Catten Ely. Permission to republish Crime 55: February 2002 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.