Hello, Everyone,
After an unfortunate loss in my family, I am back. I haven’t formatted my latest story yet because I didn’t take the time. But I have started on it.
Today, I am presenting a snippet from my upcoming anthology, which is scheduled for release in winter 2026.
I sincerely hope you enjoy it.
Shalom shalom,
Pat Garcia
Shrill screaming woke Zelda. She scooted nearer to Beno, thinking she was dreaming. Beno put his arm around her, bringing her closer, and she continued to sleep.
The shrieks came again, and this time, sobs accompanied them. Zelda raised herself to look over at the clock on Beno’s nightstand. What woman would be walking around at two-thirty in the morning, screaming and sobbing outside of their bedroom window? She immediately thought about the missing women from their urban neighborhood, and her heart sank.
“Not again,” she murmured. Six women had already disappeared without a trace. The police were helpless, and Zelda trembled in Beno’s arms. Was it happening again?
“Beno, wake up!” She whispered, frantically shaking his shoulder.
“What, My Sweet? Can’t you sleep?” Beno said, drowsily.
“I think I heard a woman screaming and sobbing outside by our bedroom window.”
Beno took a deep breath and opened his eyes. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure. Now, come to your senses,” Zelda pleaded.
Beno released Zelda quickly and sprang out of bed. Three women, two teenage girls, and an eleven-year-old had vanished into thin air in their urban neighborhood over the past three weeks.
“Where did you hear the noise, Zelda?” Beno asked as he got dressed.
“From outside Marcus’s house, which faces our bedroom. There were horrible sounds of helplessness mixed with tears.”
“I’m going to take a look outside.”
“I’m going with you,” Zelda said, getting out of bed.
“No, you’ll stay here.”
“No, I won’t,” Zelda said and put on a knee-length Mou Mou dress that he’d bought her while on a mission in Hawaii.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Pat! My heart goes out to you. I am definitely intrigued with the short story and look forward to reading more. Sending hugs your way…
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
Sorry for your loss. I enjoyed your snippet!
Great opening! It certainly has me intrigued and I want to know what happened to those women.
Great opening, Pat. Hooked me from the get go.
I’m sorry to hear about your loss, Pat. It’s good to have you back!