The Growing Problem and other Selected Shorts

By Tami Fenton

THE GROWING PROBLEM AND OTHER SELECTED SHORTS is a collection of Science Fiction, Fantasy, Crime Procedural, and Flash Fiction. “The Growing Problem” is a Science Fiction short set in the future. Cheryl Bennett is a cop and single mother investigating the sudden deaths of what may be human/robot hybrids. Her digging reveals that her own family may be the cause of the deaths. “Powerful Words” is a Fantasy short about Patricia, a preteen who takes a job in a mysterious shop and discovers a book with magical powers. “A Short Texas Ghost Story” is Flash Fiction. And “Life is a Cabaret” is a Crime Procedural. Janie finds herself trapped in the world of sex trafficking. Tom is a cop trying to save her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tami Fenton
• Release date: Nov 19, 2016

Tami Fenton

Tami Fenton is The Customer Service Coach. While working in the financial industry, Tami found herself coaching employees, and was soon asked to develop a comprehensive customer service training program. Combining her love of entertainment with her passion for helping others, she established herself as The Customer Service Coach and expanded her coaching services to include medical and dental practices, restaurants, and retail outlets. Tami has enjoyed reading and writing all of her life. She has written magazine articles, short stories, and is competing a thriller titled, FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY. Tami is earning a Bachelor of fine arts degree in Creative Writing from Full Sail University and diligently working on her forthcoming book, CAPTIVATING CUSTOMER SERVICE. Tami lives in North Texas with her husband, a herd of Miniature American Eskimo Dogs, and way too many office supplies.

Book preview

The Growing Problem and Other Selected Shorts

Copyright ©2016 Tami Fenton

Published by Tami Fenton at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

The Growing Problem

Powerful Words

A Short Texas Ghost Story

Life is a Cabaret

About Tami Fenton

The Growing Problem

Mom, I’ve got to go. There’s been another one, Cheryl said as she swallowed the handful of food pellets and chugged some water. She grabbed her Taser from the table and holstered it in her police belt, then clipped her badge onto its place on her hip. She pulled her jacket on and picked up her key fob. As she clicked it the apartment door opened. Mel, Kidd, I’m leaving, she called. A little girl came in the room and plopped down at the table.

I miss food, the girl said. She was thin with disheveled, soft brown, shoulder length hair and a smattering of freckles. She wore a navy blue school uniform dress and a plaid shirt underneath. Her socks were scrunched around her thin ankles. She planted her elbows firmly on the table, resting her head on her closed fists.

An older version of the little girl bustled into the room. She was wearing an old-fashioned housedress and slippers. Grandma will get you some breakfast, Melanie, she said. She measured the recommended serving of food pellets and poured them into a small cup. Here you go. A delicious breakfast, she said rolling her eyes. Cheryl turned back and kissed Melanie on the forehead. That face, Mel, she said. It’s too pretty to squish it up like that.

I miss pancakes, Mom, Melanie said. Cheryl looked back and forth quickly tossing her golden brown hair. She cupped her hands and whispered into Melanie’s ear. Don’t tell anyone, but I miss pancakes too.

The front door beeped twice and a pleasant male voice said, Front door ajar. Front door closing,

Sorry, CHIP, She called toward the ceiling. I’m going. Don’t close. The door closed. Cheryl sighed, clicked the key fob and the door opened once again. I have to go, Mel. I’m late. Love you baby. Love you, mom, She said planting