Paul McDermott

“No Time” by Paul McDermott

Submitted to Contest #234

No Time Coming off the ferry late on a Sunday evening, they’d run into traffic, which wasn’t the best possible start to a much-needed and eagerly anticipated holiday. On the other hand, it was immediately obvious that the Home team had won, and Dublin’s victory over Limerick in the Hurling finals looked as if it would be celebrated long in...

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“Chance Meeting” by Paul McDermott

Submitted to Contest #215

Chance Meeting A pair of tiny, gold-flecked orbs stared at him. The pupils narrowed, vertical feral slits unlike any Ryan had ever seen. He sensed alarm, even panic, and realised these emotions were not his own. They belonged to … whoever was watching. They resolved as the features of a perfect, delicate face: one which had no page or chapter in an...

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“A Friend in the Dark” by Paul McDermott

Submitted to Contest #211

A Friend in the Dark When all was said and done, he couldn’t blame her for walking out on him. . After three months the pain was starting to ease, but that didn’t make the loneliness any easier to bear. He had no appetite, evidenced by half-finished remnants of meals bought from several fast food outlets within walking distance, all abandoned as the food turned to ...

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“In the 'Pool” by Paul McDermott

Submitted to Contest #164

In the Pool “I never thought I’d see things change so much since I first sailed away as a kid. It’s true what they say: you can take the Boy out of Liverpool, but you’ll never take Liverpool out of the Man,” “And then there was what me Da used to say, an’ his Dad afore him.” “What’s that?” “When my Da said ‘in the Pool’ he mea...

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“Over and Out” by Paul McDermott

Submitted to Contest #110

Over and Out John slowed as he approached the corner of his street, took out his mobile phone and checked the message again. It was short, unambiguous, impossible to misinterpret. “ 2 x 200 missed. Tues pm. We know where you live” The final phrase was one that nobody in Liverpool wants to hear or read. John had spent all his Student Loan before Easter, and to keep body and soul together during...

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“Liar Liar” by Paul McDermott

Submitted to Contest #107

It was thirty-five years since he’d qualified as a teacher, and the Reunion Dinner was being held to mark forty years since the college opened. Paul stood behind two or three others waiting to register their arrival at the Reception desk. The others all had small cases with them, suggesting they were from out of town and would be staying in the halls left vacant during the summer vacation. Paul lived nearby, and had decided against the residential option. Mentally, he shrugged. The phrase “que sera, sera” floated throu...

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“Chance Meeting” by Paul McDermott

Submitted to Contest #104

Chance Meeting A pair of tiny, gold-flecked orbs stared at him. The pupils narrowed, vertical feral slits unlike any Ryan had ever seen. He sensed alarm, even panic, and realised these emotions were not his own. They belonged to … whoever was watching. They resolved as the features of a perfect, delicate face: one which had no page or chapter in any book listing the flora and fauna of the...

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“Serendipity” by Paul McDermott

Serendipity “Morgens, Mike! Wie geht es?“ „Sehr gut, Don! Aber …?“ There wasn’t much likely to throw Mike Freeman, not even his boss breezing into the office on a Monday morning and addressing him in a foreign language. Mike waited patiently, certain he had Don’s measure in this department. As usual, he was right. “Just checking, Mike! I know you speak several languages: fancy ...

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“Home and Away” by Paul McDermott

Submitted to Contest #100

Preparing a Meal Preparing food for yourself or for a group of people are two completely different situations.. Whether the task involves a ‘one-off’ single meal or is part of a longer, planned series of meals is one point which needs to be considered. Cooking for yourself would most likely be influenced by personal likes and preferences, whereas cooking for someone (singular OR plural) else would have to...

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“Through the Bedroom Window” by Paul McDermott

Submitted to Contest #97

The tranquillity of the late evening was shattered by a scream of terror. A light flicked on in Donna's bedroom, and Mike's coffee mug shattered on the path as he spun on his heel and flew through the house and up the spiral stair. Donna's wail was louder, more strident with every stride Mike took. Even taking the stairs three and four at a time, he registered vaguely that she hadn't paused for b...

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