Paul was astounding. He entertained, joked, teased, and he had Andrew seemed to be hitting it off with several high fives on numerous occasions. They spent several hours wandering, ate the lunch they’d brought and were returning to their vehicles when Paul suddenly grabbed her arm to stop her while holding the other arm out […]
Category: Critical Error
A developing short story Critical Error follows Eilea, who faces a growing campaign of fear, terror, and intimidation soon escalates to include her family, What had begun as postcards and letters quickly turns into anonymous phone calls, and threats against all those who surround her.
Eilea’s desperation for assistance turns to law enforcement to protect her family and begin a journey to find the perpetrator, a mystery ensures that before the end you will be on the edge of your seat.
Critical Error 71
They fell into bed with thoughts swirling in their heads about what he might do next. Paul had men in place and it was a start. He’d contacted his superiors to see how they wanted to play this. Their over-riding concern was keeping the family safe because this guy was a real loose cannon. When […]
Critical Error 70
“I don’t mind admitting it was incredibly upsetting, seeing that!” Christina interrupted. “Still, we’re not kids, mom. This includes us. We need to know your safe.” Laying her hands on either side of her mother’s face, she continued, “One day, I want you there to walk me down the aisle. See my first child. Play […]
Critical Error 69
They were laughing and joking when they returned to Paul’s house and everyone headed for the media room. Christina hurried to the computer hoping she’d received a message from Theresa and Brandon regarding the trip home along with an update. She signed onto her account and jumped in alarm. “Mom! Mom!” Eilea, Paul, and Andrew […]
Critical Error 68
“I’ve obviously had anxious moments but this is a whole new level of anxiety. I don’t know where or what more importantly who he’ll strike at next.” “Until now that sense of control has given him the upper hand. We’re systematically cutting it down and subsequently forcing the issue.” Eilea added, “Which in turn makes […]
Critical Error 67
Now the shock was wearing off, anger took its place. Blowing out a deep breath she suddenly said, “Let me just say, I’m sorry.” Before she could utter another word Paul immediately interrupted to ask, WWhat in god’s name for?” “For this!” she gestured wildly toward the barn. “It’s not your fault. It has nothing […]
Critical Error 66
Eilea dried off, donned shorts and top, dabbing at her wet hair as the teens took another turn. The crowd laughed and jeered from the sideline whooping as another boat motored by with a skier in tow exceedingly adept at tricks. Paul wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. “Not bad for […]
Critical Error 65
The following two days passed much the same, relaxed enjoyment on the beach with a few games thrown in. Since Brandon and Christina weren’t able to partake, the others weren’t interested in any of the available activities, preferring to relax with their best friends. Although it could have put a damper on their vacation, they […]
Critical Error 64
As soon as breakfast was over they planned an outing on the beach whereby Christina and Brandon could relax in the sun while enjoying the company of the others. They built a bonfire and the others were attentive, bringing them drinks and snacks off and on throughout the day. Paul made a point of wrapping […]
Critical Error 63
Eilea was missing her early morning run; determined to get back to it today, she dawned her gear and quietly let herself out, began stretching before hurrying to the water’s edge. Perhaps run off the concern and worry dogging her thoughts, along with the refreshing feeling she always received by exercising. What more idyllic scene […]
Critical Error 62
“Oh, I meant to ask, what happened with the injured officer and does it relate?” “He arrived on time, was scouring the outskirts in case someone was lurking about, playing a hunch. I guess you could say it paid off. He wandered past the cabins and continued until he reached the spot we found him […]
Critical Error 61
In a voice laced with despair, she asked, “What do we do now?” “As I see it, you have two options; leave and take the kids home, or stay until the boy’s parents pick them up.” “But, Paul, if he could get to the kids that easily, what says he won’t try again and succeed […]
Critical Error 60
“He’s gone to check it out.” “You can’t tell me he thinks that crazy person did this! How would he know which ride we were going on, or when? I mean, there wasn’t enough time! We didn’t know ourselves until just a few minutes beforehand . . . . I don’t believe it . . […]
Critical Error 59
Christina laughed, wincing in pain, “Oooh, mom, don’t make me laugh, please, it hurts!” “I’ll be right back.” Eilea left Paul talking to Brandon and went in search of the nurse. On the way, she stopped and explained the situation to the others. “We should be able to go up in a few minutes and […]
Critical Error 58
“Yes.” “Doctor Morrison is examining them now. Fill out these forms, will you? When your done, you can talk to the doctor, he should have completed his examinations by then.” Paul evidently heard and when she looked up, it was to find him racing toward them. “Paul, would you phone Brandon’s parents and ask if […]
Critical Error 57
Eilea hustled through the living room a smile pasted on her face. “Alright let’s go wake those boys.” Pounding on the cabin door, they called in unison, “Surprise!” Officer Deans opened the door. “We were already up.” “Ready to go?” “Yep.” “I’d like to walk. It’s only a block and I need to work up […]
Critical Error 56
“Andrew you can sleep in my room, I’ll take the couch.” Officer Deans accompanied the young men outside. The girls went to say good night and when they returned, they had a sneaky look in their eyes, one Eilea didn’t entirely trust. They whispered their way to the bedroom. “Good night ladies,” Paul said. “Goodnight […]
Critical Error 55
Paul said, “Drop me here. There won’t be enough room in one vehicle, I’ll take my truck and bring some of the family back with me. Stay close once we’re on the highway. We don’t need any more injuries.” As soon as the truck showed up, they raced out to greet him. “Ok, let’s get […]
Critical Error 55
Paul said, “Drop me here. There won’t be enough room at the cabins for the car. I’ll take my truck and bring some of the family back with me. Stay close once we’re on the highway. We don’t need any more injuries.” As soon as the truck showed up, they raced out to greet him. […]
Critical Error 54
Eilea and the kids had left at ten forty-two. Paul anxiously inspected his watch; they’d been gone twenty minutes exactly. Harold’s pulse continued steady, but Paul was beginning to worry; Harold should have started to come around by now. They’d better get here soon! He kept watching the bushes and surrounding area, just in case […]
Critical Error 53
“Yes, it’s me.” Listening to the scrape of the deadbolt against metal, the door was barely opened when he pushed inside. “Are the kids back yet?” “No.” “Come with me. We’re going to round them up and get them back here.” “Why, what’s going on?” “The officer assigned to this case has disappeared. We put […]
Critical Error 52
“I’ll make sure Mr. Harrow comes with me if I need to return,” Sanders replied belligerently. Within minutes, the task was completed. Gear in hand he opened the door to pause momentarily as he looked over his shoulder, “See ya’s.” He raised a hand to his hat and dragged himself out the front door thinking […]
Critical Error 51
“I’m in two minds about calling Brandon and Cliff’s parents, to inform them about what’s happening. Then they can decide whether or not they want the kids to leave or stay.” As they walked along the beach, the teens were frolicking in the water, splashing one another. The sun was setting casting a profusion of […]
Critical Error 50
The food was delicious. The fish and shellfish were succulent tasty, cooked with care to perfection. Because it was a slow night, the cook came out to join them to inquire about the grub. “It’s delicious,” they cried. “Good, it’s supposed to be.” He bantered for a bit suggesting sites to entertain, indicating little shops […]
Critical Error 49
“Be aware. Don’t deny a gut feeling about any situation you’re in. We may or may not be dealing with the individual causing problems for your family but until we’re sure either way, let’s take some precautions.” “A patrol car has been assigned to check regularly while your here (again erroring on the side of […]