Judy McIntosh

“Sammy saxaphone” by Judy McIntosh

The wretched siren began winding up as Sammy placed the reed to his lips. With a wicked sense of humor he mimicked the warning on his instrument for a few seconds then packed up the instrument and hurried out the door. He noticed the American that had come in yesterday. Sammy had heard from Hilda next door that the businessman was trying to get out of England to go back to New York. Sammy ran to catch up to him and they both followed the locals into the underground.The overhead lights were dimmed and glazed the tiled walls blue. They joined ...

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“the resolution” by Judy McIntosh

The rising sun through dusty windows nudged jenna awake. She opened her eyes and looked around sadly, as if seeing the room for the first time. Her eyes and heart ached with the mess. Clothes were piled in corners, a stack of dirty plates and bowls teetered on the dresser by the bedroom door. They had never made it downstairs.She found her ratty bathrobe beneath a discarded towel and wrapped it around her shoulders as she walked through her messy house. The kitchen smelled horrible with the garbage can overflowing.The living room was no bett...

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“Lily's Travellers Inn” by Judy McIntosh

Submitted to Contest #24

Lily poured four beers and set them on the wooden tray. She made her way over to the table where the men sat. They were strangers in town and for some reason she felt a suspicion creep over her.''Nella, can you watch the guests for a bit? I'm just going upstairs.''She nodded at her boss with a knowing smile.In the bedroom, Lily stood before an ornate full length mirror.Suddenly, the reflection of this beautiful young woman morphed into a young boy. He was dressed like any other boy in town. He adjusted his soft cap and returned downstairs.As...

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“one snowy night” by Judy McIntosh

Submitted to Contest #23

Sarah pulled the brisket and roasted potatoes from her wood burning oven. Her small cabin was filled with the delicious aroma of a home cooked meal. She poured herself a glass of red wine and sat by the fire. Her dog Cash crept from his bed and lay at her feet with a heavy sigh.She gazed around and felt almost happy. The cabin was decorated in Sarah's salvaging. The golden oak floor shined like honey in the gaslight. The pine ceiling was framed with endwalls of reddish barnboard from a hundred year old barn. On the log walls hung antique fai...

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“pewter angels” by Judy McIntosh

Harvey sat at the kitchen table with a pile of bills and a calculater.He took a long sip of coffee and sighed."It just doesn't add up Jesse. According to the numbers, we should already be out of business. We need a new furnace, stove and plumbing...Each year they had managed to get along, but it was getting to the point that they would have to shut down their little inn.Jesse wrapped her arms around her husband and kissed the top of his head. She knew they were running out of options to continue.Let's just enjoy what might just be our last C...

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“Margaritaville” by Judy McIntosh

Submitted to Contest #21

I stacked the beer mugs into the freezer then hung the wineglasses above the bar.Christmas Eve, and I'm working the night shift at the Ocean Spray Restaurant. Not a bad place. Live music most weekends and a pub menu. Ouside there was a 10 slip marina and ocean as far as I can see.I didn't really mind working tonight because I had no family, no boyfriend, no big holiday plans.I heard the familiar screech of brakes as my boss Jimmy swung into the parking lot. He thought it was fun to drive his red corvette fast towards the front window, then s...

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“Jenna's freedom song.” by Judy McIntosh

Submitted to Contest #20

Jenna turned the key and pushed open the wide door. Sunlight streamed into the loft apartment. It shone onto wooden floors, then bounced to the cathedral ceilings. A bare brick wall led to a slightly raised platform that was the bedroom. The kitchen off to the right was tastefully equipped with stainless steel appliances and a wooden prep table. The antique fixtures and red checkered back splash added a whimsical touch.Jenna leaned her guitar case against the wall. She ran towards the huge windows and marveled at the corner park below. Old s...

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“Caroline” by Judy McIntosh

Caroline folded the little pink dresses and placed them in the drawer. She gathered the pile of tiny socks and bibs and tucked them into a basket.The bedoom was cast golden in the early morning sun.Two canopied beds, side by side were made up with frilly yellow duvets. Gathered curtains of silk brocade framed the windows. Outside the summer breeze played in the trees and swayed two soft dolls that sat propped on the sill.Caroline made her way down the spiral stairs to make breakfast.She smiled sweetly at her twin girls. They waited patiently...

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“Coolidge and Sons Country Store” by Judy McIntosh

Johnny Coolidge Jr. stamped the snow from his feet and slammed the door."Myer's cows got out again. Jeez when is he ever going to fix that fence?"He hooked the worn wooden chair with his boot and sat down by the pot belly stove. His mother came from the back kitchen with a steaming cup of bone broth."Here son, get this down ya to warm your old bones." She laughed softly and ruffled his hair."When you got a notion, you can deliver the oats and suet to widow Jenson. She tells me her grandaughter is visiting from the city."Johnny suddenly warm...

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“Grand ole dreams” by Judy McIntosh

Submitted to Contest #18

Jenna strummed the final chord of her song. She had written it years ago and it was still her favorite. She nodded at the polite clapping, then leaned her guitar against the couch."Thanks to everyone for coming to bid farewell to my mother. she is in a better place now I believe."She wove her way around a few mourners into the kitchen. She took a small sandwich from the tray set out and went to her room.It was a beautiful autumn day. The trees were vibrant in the fall foliage and there was a pleasant chill in the air.Outside her window on th...

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“Picasso summer” by Judy McIntosh

Submitted to Contest #16

Jenna sauntered through the leafy woods heading for the river. Summer was in early days and the warm breeze was scented with lilac blossoms. She had found a perfect path, winding through the forest filled with budding trees.Jenna and her dad had just moved into this rural town after the sudden death of her mother. She had been killed by a drunk driver last year.They had decided that a new start in a different town might be best for them.She now stood on the windy rock cliff, opening her arms to the panoramic view. White clouds scudded across...

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“Threads of Life” by Judy McIntosh

Submitted to Contest #14

I could never have imagined a more perfectly balanced life growing up. There was a constant parade of characters, laughter and little shows that wound it's way through our lives.My father was a published writer. He would spend months holed up in his vast library. Research books stuffed with scraps of paper were stacked crookedly everywhere.We were supposed to be quiet during these writing times and with mother, that was easy. We just carried our craziness outside.During the warm summer months, we would be in the backyard rehearsing shows. We...

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“The blue fedora” by Judy McIntosh

Submitted to Contest #13

Tommy placed a bright red X on the calendar square. October 31 was his favorite day of the year. This was the one night he could go outside and mingle with the other kids. Giddy with delight, Tommy did his chores while whistling his favorite Halloween silly songs.He carefully brushed his favorite blue fedora hat then tucked a jaunty pheasant feather under the band. He admired his handiwork, pleased that the hat now looked festive for this special night. He ironed his pillowcase for collecting candy. Tommy then did his chores. He dusted ever...

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