Featured Novel:

A MONSTROUS PRICE
Curtis Castlewood

Part I
The Deal

JANUARY 24, 2027
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA

Inside the descending elevator, Ruth slapped Richard open-handed so hard the chorus of “I’m On Fire” skipped—and Henry had never been more turned on. God—he loved her—so fucking much. Well, as much as he could love someone who didn’t love him back.Who could blame her? They were business partners. Ruth made that abundantly clear. It was a one-time thing. But seeing her strike Richard’s obnoxiously square jaw uncorked an Old Faithful-sized geyser of norepinephrine in his brain. Or maybe that was just the thought of the cops. Circling—no, swarming—the Cathedral.How ironic of Richard to call the cops on them. They should never have taken his money. But any second now the elevator would ding—pushing them over the precipice and into one of two paths: Richard confesses to the world, or he and Ruth go to prison. Or—maybe there’s a third scenario? Think, think, dammit!

Ding.

Henry felt the weight of the 9mm by his right hip, then looked left. Richard was barely affected, still wearing that brazen grin—staring dead ahead. A soggy cardboard cutout of an action star. A smile that wore out its welcome. But if Henry wasn’t so red hot, he would’ve been scared shitless.The elevator door squeaked open on its track. Henry and Ruth’s eyes collided. Their chemical connection hung in suspended animation. Pulsing blue and red light flickered off her flawless, unflinching face. What was she thinking? He had to protect her.Snap out of it.With his left hand, Henry grabbed a fistful of Richard’s suede jacket and aggressively shoved him forward. Richard staggered ahead and caught himself, then whipped his head around. Henry watched Richard’s nostrils flare. He angled his firearm and flicked his wrist toward the exit.“Go,” Henry commanded. “Tell them what you told us. Think you can handle that?” He swallowed the lump in his throat. Never point a gun at someone you aren’t prepared to shoot. That’s what Dad always said. But Dad never had to deal with this.“Certainly,” Richard replied. “I’ll be sure to share the details of our prior arrangement as well. Oh, and Henry—some advice—think twice about your partner here. What do you think she’s hiding?”“Liar!” Ruth interjected.What did that mean? Before Henry could reply, Richard took off into the flickering aura of light. Sonofabitch ran like a lizard. Henry held the door for Ruth and looked around the corner inside the Cathedral’s ground floor. What would Richard say to the media? He was just as implicated. They had to trust him. Henry tucked his gun inside his peacoat’s inner pocket with the safety still on. He flinched at the sound of the police intercom: come forward, hands in the air, lie on the ground, don’t reach for anything. Just like TV.Henry turned to Ruth, admiring her slow exhale. Her control brought harmony—a perfect counter to disarray. “You wait behind this wall. I’ll follow Richard and make sure he confesses.” He looked toward Richard, who stepped into the revolving exit door with confidence.“No way,” said Ruth. “I’m way less threatening than you.”“That’s true, but you’re Black.”“Good point.” Ruth leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. It radiated like a hot stone tossed in an icy puddle. “Don’t get killed.” It felt honest. Caring. Accepting. Not like the past twenty-four hours. Should he tell her he loved her? Not now. Not the right time. Would there ever be a right time? She’d think he was doing it out of fear. It could wait. Stay strong.Henry turned to catch up to Richard, admiring the vaulted gothic ceilings for potentially the last time. He approached the glass revolving door, attempting to slow his breath. The police—no, the SWAT team—swarmed up the Cathedral steps, angled behind their shields. Snow flurries delicately painted their black helmets, Colt M4 Carbines, and Remington shotguns. Henry felt like someone sat on his chest. He watched Richard clear the exit and raise both arms.Officers screamed in unison, “Get down! Get down!”“Nothing to worry about!” Richard shouted. “My name is Richard Dior. I work here, and I’m the one who triggered the alarm. This was all a big misunderstanding! I’m under no threat, so please holster your weapons!” An officer rushed in and tried to escort Richard to safety.Behind the glass, Henry strained to hear the best he could. “Please, please,” Richard continued. “There’s no need for protection, but I do have a big announcement to make!” He pointed to the media crew at the bottom of the stairs and motioned for them to come closer. “Before I make my announcement, I’d like to welcome Dr. Henry Bailey!”Was he serious?“Dr. Bailey, come on out and say hello!” Richard turned to face him and slowly clapped in the silence, wielding a Joker-like grin. Control was water slipping through Henry’s grasp. Should he divert from the plan? He could simply go out and explain the situation on his own. No. Wait for Richard’s move. They needed to hear it from him. Henry had to let go. For now, at least.Here we go. Henry pushed through the revolving door, then raised both arms. His heart didn’t deserve the strain. Cautiously, he continued walking forward. “Sorry about all the confusion, everyone.” Just play the part and he’d get through this.C’mon Richard—time to confess. Let’s hear it.Richard continued, “It is my pleasure to perform for you a live demonstration!” Henry shot him a look. Unanswered. What demonstration? A rage popped within him like a puffer fish. Then, the crashing of glass. Henry whipped around at the sound. Ruth? A fire alarm of panic pierced between his ears. A shattering revolving door. Something was terribly wrong. No. Please, no. Anything but this.Gray. Hairy. Twice her size. Clothes in tatters. Teeth. A voracious roar. His future wife. Fuck! She didn’t deserve this. Ruth! She was still stuck in the doorway.They’re going to kill her. Henry ran to her. What was holding him? He looked back. Why was Richard pulling his jacket? Fuck. Is this a dream? Ruth! The crowd gasped. Why are they aiming? This can’t be happening!“Don’t be alarmed!” Richard yelled. “This is part of the demonstration!”“Ruth!” Henry screamed. He tried to break from Richard’s grip. It seemed to pull him closer. Was that a hand inside his jacket? His gun! Henry threw a punch but only struck air. The SWAT team directed their weapons toward Richard as their new target.“Don’t shoot!” Richard pleaded. “This is a necessary part!” In a flash, Richard ejected the magazine from the 9mm, then pressed the top round and cleared it in a single motion. Henry’s legs were lead pipes. Rounds clinked on the concrete as Richard tugged the slide to eject the one in the chamber.Richard pulled a single round from his pocket and loaded the magazine. Henry went after Ruth. Seeing her like this set him on fire, but his muscles were stone. What could he do? He just had to be close. But what did Richard mean before? Did she bring this on herself?Ruth hammered through the doorway, then leapt into the winter air. Her volcanic roar triggered an erupting orchestra of car alarms. Henry’s stomach dropped like an aerial cable car on a severed line. Ruth!

Thank you!