Thanks to Greg, Dan, Dave, Kathy, and Pat. Here are the top five stories submitted to the July Crime 55 contest (in no particular order):
Rehearsal for Murder by David Lignell
Carlos plunged a dagger into Don's gut.
The blade retracted, but no fake blood came from its hollow grip.
Don handed Carlos another dagger from the prop table. "Try this one."
Carlos stabbed and the dagger stuck without retracting. Don slumped as red tendrils spread from his wound.
Behind the curtain, a prop man grinned.
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Murder Comes on Little Cat's Feet by Marcia Mascolini
In ancient Egypt, you were a god, Sphinx purred as he whetted his claws. Quick as nothing, he was on her lap. Swipe, swipe. Once for the jugular, once for the carotid. Teach her to cheat him at computer solitaire. The cop found her bleeding out, him grooming his paws.
"Bag the cat," he said.
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End Game by Deb Hill
The two adversaries sipped their cognac and studied the chessboard.
"Why do you continue your futile attempts to block my takeover of your company?" Alberto asked as he took Frank's rook.
"Futile are they? How's your cognac, brother?"
Suddenly Alberto's features twisted in pain. Confusion, then comprehension and fear entered his eyes.
"Checkmate," said Frank.
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Phone Tag by David Shapiro
Pauline Curran hung her purse and checked phone messages.
Beep.
"It's Martin, Mrs. Curran. You shouldn't have broken up me and Samantha. Listen to what you've made me do."
A gunshot cracked. Christ! The crazy kid killed himself!
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