James Pelikan

DARK STRANGERS: A FLASH FICTION COLLECTION is a compilation of James Pelikan's earliest flash fiction stories that bridge the gap between science-fiction, horror, and comedy. First up, "Hat" is the scary tale of Matt and Zack, two brothers searching for their lost dog in an abandoned lead mine with the help of a mysterious stranger. Next, "Third Wheel" is a funny and dramatic science-fiction story about two astronauts, Elizabeth and Tom, who are on a space ship heading to a distant planet when something unexpected threatens their mission. "Boxed Deal" is a dark tale about Tim, a former magician who decides to give magic one last chance when he discovers a box outside his front door. "Art Heist" tells the creepy story of Arthur, an art museum security guard desperate to escape the boredom of nightshift. "Night Maintenance" is the spooky supernatural story about Jim, a maintenance man who responds to an emergency call in apartment 13 D, but what he finds is far from routine. "Van Ryle's Murder" is a suspenseful mystery thriller about Tom, a private investigator who shows up at the widow Van Ryle's home with news of her husband's murder. "Mary's Promise" is the emotional dramatic story of Mary's dedication to her unborn son, as she smuggles herself across the border in the back of a refrigerated truck. Finally, "Lunch Time" is a funny little flash about Huff and Puff, a wolf and sheep who are discussing what to have for lunch.