Mark Gagnon
Bio
I have spent most of my life traveling around the US and the globe. Now it's time to draw on these experiences and create what I hope are interesting fictional stories. Only you, the reader, can tell me if I've achieved my goal.
Stories (123/0)
Unimpeachable
Unimpeachable The prosecution spent hours building its case based on the information their one and only eyewitness had provided. She had been there since the scam’s inception, watching as her employer and his associates concocted a system designed to bilk billions of dollars from gullible investors. The witness was in the room when the men launched their scheme and waited for the money to come rolling in. She was even instructed to deliver sealed packages to various locations on her way home from work. The witness was a willing participant in delivering the packages but had no idea what was in them.
By Mark Gagnon10 months ago in Criminal
System Failure
Orson worked as a contract coder for multiple medical software companies. Freelancing let him make his own hours, live where he wanted, and be his own boss. He avoided petty office politics and usually made more than the 9-5ers. The downside was there were no benefits. Medical and life insurance, along with retirement plans, were his responsibility. It seemed a fair trade for his freedom.
By Mark Gagnon10 months ago in Fiction
Everyone is Welcome
Have you ever reached a point in your life when all you want to do is get away? It doesn’t have to be a drastic change, just a fun weekend get-a-way where the only decision you’ll need to make is what to have for dinner. I’m sure most have felt that way from time to time. The question is, what are you going to do about it? I can tell you what I did. I went to Key West for a long weekend.
By Mark Gagnon10 months ago in Fiction
The Event
The Event Chapter 1 There weren’t always dragons in the Valley. The village elders told us dragons only appeared after the Event. Seated around the evening fire, we all listened respectfully to their stories about the time before, but a few of us knew their tales weren’t based on fact. Even as a youngling, listening intently as the elders read excerpts from the ancient tomes describing great battles between Spell Slingers and Death Walkers, I knew there was more to the story.
By Mark Gagnon11 months ago in Fiction
Being Dead
Nobody asked me if I wanted to be dead. The universe didn’t host a game show where I got to pick what was behind door #1: an all-expense-paid vacation; door #2, a comfortable retirement; or door #3, DEAD. I was just walking down the street when, literally, a bolt out of the blue hit me square on the top of my head. In fact, it was a 10mm, case-hardened, steel bolt from a plane traveling at thirty thousand feet that worked itself free. Nice one Karma! Who knew, luck has a sense of humor.
By Mark Gagnon11 months ago in Fiction
Mitigating Circumstances
Chapter 1 Day 1 – New York City “It will be a great place if they ever finish it.” - O. Henry Mike Gulf arrived at Best-Ride’s shop in North Bergen, New Jersey, at 6:00 a.m. and said good morning to several of his fellow drivers. He proceeded to replenish supplies required for his tour and performed a routine safety check. Mike grabbed a cooler and filled it with ice to load bottles of water and various flavors of soda he planned on selling to the passengers as the trip progressed. By 6:30 a.m. he was headed for the Lincoln Tunnel and downtown Manhattan.
By Mark Gagnon11 months ago in Fiction
Mitigating Circumstances
Prologue Geneva, Switzerland Andrew Buchanan surveyed the lavishly appointed conference room his newly acquired international pharmaceutical corporation, World Wide Cures, had leased for its semi-annual board meeting. The company’s main office on the other side of town was equipped with a conference room, but he wanted his first meeting as chairman to impress his fellow board members. The room, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, high-backed leather chairs, and mahogany conference table, should accomplish that nicely.
By Mark Gagnon11 months ago in Fiction
Central Park to Central Booking
Walter’s outgoing personality instantly puts everyone he meets in a relaxed, open state of mind. This is important because, as a carriage driver in New York City, his primary function, besides controlling rather docile horses, is to put all his customers in a good mood. The passengers are normally from out of town. No local would pay $35.00 for a half-hour buggy ride. “Fuhgeddaboudit!” The happier the customer, the bigger the tip, and the more they would talk about their plans. Plans Walter would covertly record on his phone.
By Mark Gagnon11 months ago in Criminal
Stairway to Discovery
I stood at the foot of a staircase that piqued my curiosity. A sign on each riser proclaimed where the contents of the room above had originated: Barns, Estates, Cellars, and Attics. Best of all, everything is “half off.” Half off, what exactly is a mystery? By striding to the top of the stairs, would I be entering a treasure trove of unique antiquities or a room full of other people’s castoffs? Only one way to find out—I climbed.
By Mark Gagnon11 months ago in Horror
The Invisibles
The Invisibles Horace stood in a corner of the airport terminal watching travelers hustling from gate to gate urgently trying to make their next flight. A young boy around the age of four looked up at him and smiled. The encounter quickly ended when his mother pulled on her son’s arm, attempting to hurry him along. She never acknowledged Horace standing there with his trash cart and cleaning tools. The mother and son had a plane to catch and no time to exchange pleasantries with a man holding a broom. However, she had time to look over the jewelry at the Duty-Free shop.
By Mark Gagnon11 months ago in Fiction
Dry Scrubbing 1821
My name is Thomas Jennings, a lifelong free New York City resident and proud owner of one of the busiest tailor shops in Manhattan. In the late 1700s, I began a long apprenticeship that taught me the skills needed to excel in this essential craft. I’m well known throughout the elite of this city for my custom-fitted suits, shirts, and casual clothing. My little shop on Church Street is thriving. Fortunately for my clients, I’m also a curious person who enjoys solving problems.
By Mark Gagnon12 months ago in FYI
