Mile Marker 39: Believe

Abduction by tntrekabulator

If you told me two weeks ago that I would be one of those kooks claiming to have been abducted by aliens, I would have spit in your face and called you a stone cold liar. Yet here I am.

I’ve never been one to believe in the supernatural. What transpired on July 5^th, 2012 changed the way I think – what I believe – who I am – forever. It very well may change yours, if you’re smart.

Dan Swagger: Death Only Knocks Once - Part 8

St. Luke's Hospital - Chicago from Postcard Roundup

[background] [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4] [Part 5] [Part 6] [Part 7]



Time and location unknown...



Darkness

I could hear voices, but I was in total darkness. Some were shouting, some less so, but all seemed far away, distorted. Frantic voices, bathed in chaos.

I was moving, but not of my own free will. I could feel the earth move beneath me, jostled and tossed about.  

Was this heaven or hell? It seemed more like hell to me.

Mary always tried to get me to go to confession. I should have listened to her, but I don’t think it would have helped me none. Some men sin more than others. Some men need to die for their sins.

The sounds were fading; fading into the blackness. I could no longer feel anything, hear anything.

This was hell alright...

Dan Swagger: Death Only Knocks Once - Part 7

Escapism by KDMB

[background] [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3]
[Part 4] [Part 5] [Part 6]

Chicago – South Side – Liberty Motel

Big Jim Bradley sounded like he was in a piss poor mood, but then again I can’t recall a time when he wasn’t. Maybe it was only when he was around me. Either way, I wasn’t going to stick around and find out.

 I quickly threw on my trench, pocketed my shooter and wallet, slipped on my streetwalkers, and headed for the window.

"This is your last warning! Open up or we're coming in," a muffled shout came through the door as I worked the latches on the window. I pushed up with all my might, but it wouldn't budge. Years of neglect and far too many coats of cheep white lead paint kept it sealed tight. Good for keeping the heat in, but not so good for letting me the hell out.

Time seemed to slow to a crawl. I could feel the adrenaline racing through my veins. The shouts of the police behind me were subdued and muted by the sound of my own heart beating in my ears. No matter how hard I tried, the window would not budge. Soon the pounding in my ears was replaced by the sound of pounding on the door behind me.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Dan Swagger: Death Only Knocks Once - Part 6

Gun by pixie-meat

[background] [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4] [Part 5]

Time and place unknown...

“Pull yourself together Dan. Feeling sorry for yourself ain't going to help matters none," I whispered, soft enough that only gods and the dead could hear.

I leaned down and picked up the only sock of mine that wasn't soaked in blood, then picked up the gun that was on the floor. It was a Colt 45 model M1917 revolver [1], serial number 193224. As I had suspected, it was mine. Its brushed blue carbon steel was cold in my hand. I checked the cylinder; one shot spent and there was black powder residue present in the chamber. No visible prints. I'd have to confirm later once I had my snooper gear. I laid the gun on the bed, and took a whiff of my shooting hand. As I feared, it smelled of gunpowder.

"Damn it Dan, you really done it this time." I’d hoped the gods hadn’t heard that.

Set up? Like hell.