2019. She’d heard about it, knew it was there, sometimes even saw its blue lights glowing in the distance, but not once in her life had Gracie ever had reason to pass under the Arch of Mercy and cross the 6th Avenue Bridge.  The Arch of Marcy served as a portal between her world — … Continue reading 20: Miss Chapel

2019. When Gracie had seen them on TV, the insides of police stations contained an almost-boiling-over chaos of phones ringing from a scattered array of desks, where beleaguered detectives all sat somewhere near the verge of losing their sanity, sobriety, and spouses, and suspects being marched past them in hand-cuffs proudly proclaimed their hate for … Continue reading 19: The Other Side of Purgatory

2019. Gracie received a text from Brianna: Heard you aren’t feeling well and taking time off. Good! Could tell you need rest. Can’t be a superhero all the time. Rich had been cool about it when Gracie asked if she could get her shifts at the bookstore covered for the week. And her attendance at … Continue reading 15: Hancock’s Plan

2019. There wasn’t much sleep for Gracie that night. She tried, but everything in her head felt jumbled and on fire. First thing she did was clean the whole apartment up and down, left to right, and back to front. Bringing order out of chaos sometimes calmed her. She even cleaned Kristen’s room, although some … Continue reading 13: What is Lawful and What is Right

1939. Below them, the Englehart River rushed through the snow that clung to its shores, and falling flakes caught streetlights in their crystals. Will pressed his back against the cold metal railing of the 6th Avenue Bridge, his eyes on the barrel of the pistol Robert pointed at his chest. “That’s it,” Robert said with … Continue reading 12: A Father’s Love

Meanwhile… The elderly residents lounging in front of Sunset Gardens in defiance of autumn chill smiled at the gentleman who approached. They didn’t know his name nor recognize his face, but he was a handsome young man — young to them at thirty-nine years old — sharply dressed, with briefcase in hand. He looked like … Continue reading 11: Return to Sunset

2019. As soon as Gracie walked through the door of Sprang & Sons, Brianna hit her with, “Whoa, are you all right?” Gracie nodded. Brianna squinted at her. “Are you sure?” “I’m sure.” “Are you sure you’re sure?” “I’m sure I’m sure.” “Okay…” Her pinched brow told Gracie that Brianna was dropping the subject out … Continue reading 10: Don’t Be Afraid

2019. Jerry and Joe slinked away as Gracie and the Crimson Wraith stood face-to-mask in the strange fog that had arrived just ahead of the costumed crimefighter’s appearance. “Don’t,” the Crimson Wraith repeated, keeping his red-gauntleted hand raised to her. Gracie didn’t — didn’t move, didn’t blink, for a moment she didn’t breathe, and she … Continue reading 8: What Price Justice?