II. To Escape Paradise

Walking backward now I watch myself, my face reversedin the mirrored glass. I open it and turn the clock handsback to … More

Throne of Blood (A David Chan Mystery, Part Fourteen)

Kahala was one of the ritziest districts in all of Hawai‘i. Homes on the beach were the mansions of millionaires many … More

I think there was air, but I had trouble finding it,between talking with you and passing out, I madeshort exploratory … More

The first thing Chan noticed when he entered the room was Yamamoto’s huge bandage. “Vic,” he said, “if I were … More

I see when I have finally walked almost to the endof this said old oak forest, and I am going, … More

“Hubby told me,” Nina said, “that Daddy didn’t like wife number-one. Too grabby, he said. A person who’s too grabby, as far … More

I’m no spring chicken, as my dad used to say.What if this is what life will be like until the … More

“I wonder if I say his name whether he’ll walk through that door,” Nina said. “Sometimes I think it’s a kind … More

I picked up the phone and pretended to haveconversations with you, imitating my parentsthe way kids do. But you never seemed … More

Chan sat stunned. “You told me yesterday you’re single.” “I am single,” said Nina. It had started as a bad day. Could … More

the bulb flickers dark to light to dark to lightlike a strobing spotlight making everything go slow-motion it’s twelve feet … More

The Chow Yoo Chu restaurant was indeed a magnificent building, elaborate in its classical Chinese style. A pink palace complete with … More

A big shout out to all those with shuttered dreamswho were in the plays, maybe breaking records,I mean broke, broke … More

Having had all but two or three minutes of sleep, Lieutenant Chan stumbled to his desk. Sergeant Yamamoto could tell with … More

I can taste the salt on my lips I lick with my tongueconstantly my lips chapping and peeling a littlefor … More

“Dave?” Chan called, walking into the house. He checked his watch. 9:30. The kid was only 16. Where was he? But Chan still had enough … More

You roseand do not hide from memy ancient observationhow you grow I seea healing once more for memy constant patient … More

Chan wasn’t tired, despite the multiple homicides. All afternoon, the prospect of meeting Nina for dinner had shared space in his … More

What’s meant by the “side” of the bed, since you wake up on it,obviously is the half you lie on, … More

The final count was seven bodies including Mr. and Mrs. Goo and their oldest son Alfred. Two concerns topped David … More