A Christmas Without Ghosts

An Advent Calendar of Stories

December 24

Part 1 2014

A Christmas Without Ghosts

James Leeder

Finest Sherry

The Constable solemnly reported finding the old man in the street, wearing nothing but his nightclothes. He was in a confused state of mind, and had given a passing child money to go shopping.

Next two gentlemen, both of good standing in the community, testified that he had unexpectedly offered them a huge amount of money completely out of the blue.

His company Clerk, a poor but honest man, told of his strange behaviour. After years of punctuality, order, his boss had lost all head for business.

The Magistrate, Doctor and Nephew agreed. Ebenezer Scrooge was committed to Bedlam.

              

About the Author

James Leeder is from the NE of England. After many years working in London he is now concentrating on writing fiction and learning to play the piano.

Christmas Spirit

An Advent Calendar of Stories

December 09 2014

Christmas Spirit

James Leeder

Cold Turkey

Once, his head had been full of dreams. Hamlet. The West End. Hollywood! Now he sat in the back of a department store, strapping on padding. The hangover pounded behind his temples, and he belched as he forced down his breakfast aspirin. Two sunken bloodshot eyes peered blearily back from the washroom mirror as he adjusted his wig and beard.

Kids screaming, fighting, crying.

He could not face one more day.

He lifted the red coat, and a note fell out.

“Santa. Please make Mummy well again.”

He wiped a tear. Straightened up.

Today he would BE Santa again.

About the Author

James Leeder grew up in the North East of England but now lives in London. After many years of work he is now spending more time on writing fiction, and trying to learn the piano.

The Getaway

An Advent Calendar of Stories

December 02 2014

The Getaway

James Leeder

A Sly gin

Mary heard familiar running. She covered the bowl of dough with a cloth and left it by the kitchen range to let the bread rise. The footsteps grew louder, the back yard door crashed open. Even before it had swung closed again, her son hurtled into the kitchen.

‘Copper!’ he gasped as he dived onto the sleeping shelf and hid panting behind the curtain.

The heavy sound of Constable Jackson’s boots went past and reached the end of the lane. Bob emerged and grinned, putting betting slips and money on the table.

‘He’ll catch you one day!’ she said.

About the Author

James Leeder grew up in the North East of England but now lives in London. After many years of work he is now spending more time on writing fiction, and trying to learn the piano.

Scary Story 100 Worder The Hobo

Scary Story

100 Worder The Hobo

James Leeder

Ant Juice – chilled

Whack! Whack!

The shoe heel missed as his target sped away from the picture frame.

Whack!

‘Got it,’ he said.

            ‘Oh, there’s a horrible mark now!’ she said, peering in from the doorway.

He pulled out a tissue and wiped at the crushed remains. ‘I’ll get rid of it in the morning,’ he sighed. ‘Come on, we need to hurry now. No more huge spider.’

‘It looked much bigger on the floor.’ She said, defensively.

The Hobo spider had clung on desperately, now something was pushing into her cosy, dark shoe. She raised her poison fangs and struck.

 About the Author

James Leeder grew up in the north east of England but now lives in London. After many years of work he is now spending more time on writing fiction, and trying to learn the piano.