Run, Run! ~ A Flash Fiction Christmas Story

Apex Publications' "A Merry Little Apex Christmas Apex Flash Fiction Contest" ran from November 11th to December 16th. The challenge was to write a Christmas story, Apex-style, in 250 words. Every entrant received a copy of Apex Magazine and the winner to be published on the Apex blog December 23rd.

Congratulations to the winner, Thea Hutcheson, with Stockings Hung at the Hearth! And congratulations to the second through fifth place winners ~ Cameron Suey, Amy Sisson, Cynthia Dawn Griffin and Christina M. Parker.

My submission didn't make the final cut but I had a lot of fun writing this goofy little story. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Photo courtesy of and copyright huppypie, Some Rights Reserved

RUN, RUN!

Police arrived at the home of Steve and Becky Sanders at a quarter to ten. Detective Jensen rolled over and turned the volume up on the department issued radio.

"Please, not another one," he pulled himself out of bed and into his jeans. After four years, he knew the routine. If his instincts were right, and he prayed they weren't, this was only the first of three murders tonight. Detective Jensen brewed a cup of coffee and waited.

"Detective Jensen."

"I'm sure you have better ways to spend Christmas Eve but it looks like it's going to be a long night. Jensen. He's changed his MO," his partner said.

"Changed? How?"

"He left us two cookies, each with the arms bitten off. And two bodies. Jensen, their arms are missing."

"Jesus. I'm on my way."

***

Across town, Thomas and Dorothy Whittaker cuddled by the fire, watching A Christmas Story, tree lights flickering in the background. A knock at the door saves Ralphie from shooting his eye out.

"Who could that be?"

"Fred probably locked himself out again. I'll be right back," Thomas kissed his wife's cheek.

A tall, burly man stood at the door.

"Can I help you?"

"I just moved in down the street. I brought you cookies," the man held up an axe and two gingerbread cookies with the heads broken off.

"Dor..." Thomas's head hit the floor.

"Thomas, who..." Dorothy started.

"Run! Run! As fast as you can! You can't escape me, I'm the Gingerbread Man!"