Cory gets an unexpected offer which could dreatically change his life.

Chapter 6

As the meeting ended, we went down to the Inspectors’ office and planned for the two Ascot meetings. I would take Lena in before the next one, at the end of the month, with us both getting the comms. Lena said that she would wear something less girly and that a tiepin microphone would be good. I would be in a similar outfit to last Saturday. For the big meeting next year, I would glam up and wear a hat, so something on that would be all right.

We spent the next two days finalising our preparation for the match against St. Mary's. The county cup was an 8 team tournament, meaning that this was a quarter final match. Win, and we'd be in the semi finals, and another win there would put us in the final.

Despite my heroics in the first training session, where I'd scored a hat-trick and felt unbeatable, I was beginning to see how playing in the girls team would be no walk in the park.

Me and My Mus

The other day I was loafing in front of the TV when Andrea, my muse visited me. It had been some time since last. We had spent our vacations at different locations. Don’t get me wrong, I like Andrea but we have no need to crowd each other. However, I like chatting with Andrea even when I’m not going to write a story. That is what happened the other day. I like female companionship. As everyone knows all muses are female.

As we were talking Andrea happened to mention “when I was a little boy …”. Ooops!

Andrea coloured up. The cutest pink imaginable.

Masks XXVIII: Old School

by

Rodford Edmiston

Part Seven

Chapter 5

When I got home and turned on my computer, I had an email from the Islington Inspector. He wanted me to pop in and pick up my communications on Friday. I answered that I would be there. I looked for the Saturday weather on the computer and saw that it would be cold.

Winter was arriving at last. I looked in my wardrobe to see what I had to wear, seeing that I didn’t want to be recognised. I chose a red shirt and a long black winter skirt, which I would wear with leggings and long boots. I had a heavy greatcoat that I could use.

Mr Phillips and I sat down at the kitchen table while Miss Snell prepared lunch. Engaging in small talk with your old P.E. teacher who you were responsible for getting fired, all while dressed as a female alter-ego, was a very unique experience.

"So Tabitha, Miss Snell tells me you'll be playing for her girls team at the school. What position do you play?"

"Um, usually striker but sometimes in the centre of midfield", I replied, trying to master my feminine voice (which I had been practising the previous night when talking with Miss Snell).

I placed the football down on the penalty spot. Heart thumping, I took three strides back and then one to my left. One last glance at the goal and a deep breath. I knew what I had to do. All 9 takers prior to me had converted their spot-kicks. Score, and the shoot-out went to sudden death; miss, and we'd lost the county cup final. I began my run-up, knowing I planned to put the ball into the top-right corner of the goal, out of the keeper's reach.

Masks XXVIII: Old School

by

Rodford Edmiston

Part Six

The Monday morning briefing at the Detroit office of the Bureau of Special Resources was always interesting. This one was especially so. Only partly due to having two special guest speakers.

Photo by Ron Lach

The Flood

I learned early that the view from inside a bra is far superior to the view without one.

Seriously.

Chapter 3

It wasn’t far from the track to the turning, and I stopped at the gate and reached behind me, finding the button in my bag, under a lot of money. I pressed the button and the gate opened. I drove slowly to the house, now surrounded by Rollers, Bentleys, and big Mercedes. I parked the Aston, and we got out.

“Do you think we can put the money in the boot, I feel a bit vulnerable with it in my bag?”

“Sure thing, there’s a button to press.”

Jack O' Lanterns, Moonlight, and Magic
By
Rebecca Anna Coleman

Chapter One: Spirit of Halloween

Masks XXVIII: Old School

by

Rodford Edmiston

Part Four

Vic and her boss were meeting one of the archivists working to examine and conserve the Operators' lair and its contents. The three of them were all currently seated in Drake's small office.

"We finally heard from a family member of one of the Operators," said the archivist. "She's a great-granddaughter of Captain Sticky, and an Internet influencer. She uses the online name Hannah Anna Banana."

"Ow," said Vic, wincing. "It's not even that popular of a song."

Chapter 2

On the way out, I was shown the entrance to the car park. Dee said she would express courier a ticket and parking pass to me at home on Monday, to be left in my box at the flats. All I needed now was to become like the other women, well dressed and blonde.

This is a bit of a re-released. I missed the end off of the story

Masks XXVIII: Old School

by

Rodford Edmiston

Part Three

"Turkey Jerky?" said Cal, reaching over to hold out a bag to his office mate.

"Thanks," said Vic. She gave a huge sigh as she accepted some of the smoked meat.

"You seem down."

"It's just... there are so many things which are just... hanging. The 'You're Arrested' mask murders, the identity of whoever hired those guys to steal the balance blades, the mastermind behind the fake volcano and that radioactive android at the Super Combat islands..."

When I woke up this morning I groped behind me to make sure my wife was still there in bed. My hand found hers and we gripped each other's hands in a morning embrace, just our fingers entwining. We’re both too old now for much in the way of shenanigans but a touch just gives you that warm feeling of lifelong companionship.

“You OK, love?” I asked her and she smiled at me as she always does.

Chapter 4

It was a very pleasant ride, despite the lack of comfort, and he asked me if he could take me to dinner that evening. I suggested the Wherry as a good place, and he told me that he would pick me up at seven.

I didn’t know that this was an evening bound to stay in my memory forever. Not when I sat there by myself amidst the crowd. But like another one, nine years earlier, it would stay in my mind.  And both only revealed their true meaning together.