The Clock Is Ticking …
Enjoy a mystery? How about eleven?
Some of you may have noticed the not-so-subtle promotion on Twitter recently, because we’re just FIVE WEEKS away from the release of this crime/mystery anthology from Insecure Writer’s Support Group. An amazing group of writers have contributed to this, with the help of Dancing Lemur Press, and it’s almost time to go live! So for the next several weeks, I thought it’d be fun to introduce you to the stories. Why not start with mine, to kick things off?
Three O’Clock Execution
Maurice “Mo” Oyler is innocent. But he’s going to be executed anyway. All he wants is someone—anyone—to believe him. He might just regret that wish, because there’s more to Mr. Devlin than there first appears.
This short story focuses more on the psychological toll that crime takes and the burden of a guilty conviction on an innocent man. Mo knows there’s nothing that can save him, but all he wants is for the truth to be told, which is why he agrees to one last interview. That and the reporter is incessant and refuses to accept no for an answer, and who’s got time for that while they’re sitting on Death Row?
Told in a series of interviews between Mo and Mr. Devlin, Three O’Clock Execution walks the reader through the worst day of Mo’s life: the day his wife was murdered. Despite the overwhelming evidence, Mo is innocent, and he’s determined to make Mr. Devlin believe him.
Excerpt
The clock outside chimed three times as Mr. Devlin clicked the recorder on and took his seat at the metal table.
“Today is the eighth of April, at three o’clock.” His words were crisp and biting, as chilly and sterile as the visiting room. “Will you state your name for the record, please?”
“Maurice Oyler.” The chains clinked against the table as he wrung his hands.
“Do I have your permission to record this?”
“Yes.”
“Then, let’s begin, shall we? As you know, I’m Matthew Devlin. I’m conducting some research on death row inmates. Thank you for agreeing to see me.”
“Well, you were very persistent.” It wasn’t a compliment. In fact, Mr. Devlin had become downright insufferable, and if Mo had to die, which the state was determined to make happen, he wanted to at least be allowed to do so in peace.
“I think you’ll find, Mr. Oyler, that I take my work very seriously.”
“I’m afraid I won’t be of much use to you, then. You see, I’m innocent.”
“With all due respect, every sane person says that on their way out.” Mr. Devlin paused to rearrange some folders in front of him. “Some of the less-than-sane ones, too.”
“Right.” Mo licked his lips and leaned forward, making sure their eyes met. “But I’m telling the truth. I didn’t kill my wife.”
Tick Tock: A Stitch In Crime
Release Date: May 1
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What would you do if you were accused of a crime you didn’t commit? Is that not a terrifying thought? *shudders*
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