Chuck Waldron

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Aug, 2019

Stories (9)

9 Stories

162 karma pts

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“Never Pass Up the Opportunity: A painful lesson at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport” by Chuck Waldron

Submitted to Contest #76

“I told you we should’ve left earlier. Take a look at that line at security.”“Chuck, you’re right. We need to step on it.”“I should make a pit stop now. Do you remember where we parked the car?”“Duh, I even have a pic on my phone. This is where we parked at the Buckhead MARTA station and rode the train. Have a look. Plus, I have an app for finding it when we get back. Yikes, even the pre-check line is backed up.”“I hate flying anymore. It wasn’t that much fun before the pandemic. Now we have to wear a damn mask. And so much for any att...

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“Turning Point: A Guide to the Future and for the most part, an authenticated True Story” by Chuck Waldron

Submitted to Contest #75

Adam Browning looked at the letter, carefully folded it, sliding it into the envelope. As director of Turning Point: Your Guide to the Future, he personally selected each candidate. He smiled, immensely pleased with this choice.Adam was a throw-back to an age of civil discourse in business and pleasure. He poured a dollop of melted wax on the edge of the flap and made an imprint with the company logo. “A nice touch, don’t you think,” he said, smiling to his associate, Remy.~ ~ ~ ~ ~Jules stormed into her building like a c...

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“My Sister's Chessboard” by Chuck Waldron

Submitted to Contest #70

I tried, but it's a memory I can't get away from. I don't remember ever feeling that tired, ever. Announcements of departing and arriving trains echoed in my mind, fused with the echo of my footsteps on marble tile as I walked through the Union Station grand hall. Walking in from Front Street, I tried unsuccessfully to ignore unpleasant smells of cleaning chemicals blending with the sweaty throng of tension-scurrying passengers on a cold February morning. That was behind me as I leaned back against the headrest, relaxing a bit for the first...

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“After They've Seen Paree” by Chuck Waldron

Submitted to Contest #69

“What possessed you to buy that old cruddy diary,” her friend asked as they walked to the car? “That’s why I like to browse thrift shops,” Ashley answered. “Why? This diary only cost twenty-five cents, and who knows, it might be interesting.” Ashley was never sure what there was about the old diary. Later that night, sitting with a glass of wine, she let the pages open randomly and began reading. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ December 14, 1954 What do they want from me? Today. I have to do it today. I know it. I’ve run out of options, tim...

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“Uncharted Waters” by Chuck Waldron

Submitted to Contest #60

October 30th, 2022 Most days begin and end in ordinariness. There are days, however, when a life-changing event comes rushing with incredible speed. Little did I know I was about to experience the latter. With a sense of outrage, I first crumpled the letter, compressing it in my fist. It was the confirmation I’d been expecting. Everyone my age was getting one. Unfolding the crimpled document, I smoothed it to reread. Nothing in the letter had changed. They expect me to volunteer. To give up my life. Will I do that … for … my country? Really...

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“Hammer Man: a short story about liberation” by Chuck Waldron

Submitted to Contest #58

Powerless. Adjective. Lacking the power to act. Without ability, influence. Impotent Milton couldn’t stop tapping a cigarette pack in his shirt pocket. His foot drummed an uneasy rhythm, watching digital numbers on the elevator display. Why’s this elevator so darn slow? It’s taking forever. Using his fingers, he tugged at the stranglehold of his shirt collar and tie. Milton grimaced, touching his sweat-soaked shirt. Looking back at a sign on his office door, he snickered. M...

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“THE WAITING ROOM” by Chuck Waldron

Submitted to Contest #49

My death came as quite a surprise, quite astonishing in fact. It took my breath away. What was I doing when it happened? I was in the middle of something hard to pin down. My memory is somewhat murky. When the mist recedes, I get a glimpse, an inkling, of chopping onions for a salad. Yes, I seem to remember now, a salad.I seem to recall muted conversations from the next apartment, Bach’s Cello Suite No.2: Sarabande, in D minor on my radio, delicate strokes of Pablo Casals, making it compelling, authentic.I needed to decant the wine and place...

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“Friday” by Chuck Waldron

Submitted to Contest #42

Friday, May 9, 1980 Amy listened to a fish crow outside her window, a distinctive bird call familiar to anyone living in Sarasota. Tourists called it the uh-uh bird. Sun filtering through inexpensive curtains formed an illusion of lace. She didn’t need an alarm clock today. She closed her eyes and smiled, thinking about Harry. Friday, ninth of May, she thought. At long last. I hope he’s not angry with me. What will he say?Will he be angry, the question like an arrow piercing her excitement? Sitting in the doctor...

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“HAMMER MAN” by Chuck Waldron

Submitted to Contest #5

Milton couldn’t stop tapping a cigarette pack in his shirt pocket. His foot drummed an uneasy rhythm as he watched digital numbers on elevator display. Why’s this elevator so darn slow? It’s taking forever. Using his fingers, he worked a stranglehold of his shirt collar and tie free. Milton grimaced, feeling sweat soaking his shirt. Looking back at a sign on his office do...

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Author bio

Chuck Waldron is the author of five riveting mystery, thriller and suspense novels and more than fifty short stories. Inspired by his grandfather's tales of the Ozark Mountains and local caves rumored to be havens for notorious gangsters, Waldron was destined to write about crime and the human condition. Those childhood legends ignited his imagination and filled his head with unforgettable characters, surprising plots and a keen interest in supernatural and historical subplots. With literary roots planted in the American Midwest and South, and enriched by many years living in the fertile cultural soil of metropolitan Ontario, Waldron now resides on Florida's fabled Treasure Coast with his wife, Suzanne. While keeping an eye out for hurricanes, alligators, and the occasional Burmese python, visitors will find Waldron busy writing his next crime thriller.