I Wouldn't Be Surprised: A Short Story

By D. L. Finn

Do you ever wish you could take back your words? Janice and Dale Hart sat around the dinner table laughing at silly “I wouldn’t be surprised” jokes that included UFOs, Bigfoot, hand-delivered food, and serial killers. A week later, an innocent plate of food is left on Dale’s truck in the middle of the night. That’s only the beginning, and the presents go from harmless to life-threatening. Will the Harts find help in time to survive an evil bearer of “gifts”? Find out in this paranormal thriller.

• Language: English
• Publisher: D. L. Finn
• Release date: Jul 21, 2020
• ISBN: 9781732966239

D. L. Finn

D.L. Finn is an independent California local, who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 relocated with her husband, kids, dogs and cats to the Sierra foothills in Nevada City, CA. She immersed herself in reading all types of books, but especially loved romance, horror and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, being surrounded by towering pines, oaks and cedars, her creativity was cradled until it bloomed. Her creations vary from children’s books, young adult fantasy, adult paranormal romance to an autobiography with poetry. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to her readers to join her.

Book preview

I WOULDN’T BE SURPRISED: A SHORT STORY

D. L. FINN

No part of this book may be reproduced in any written, electronic, recording, or photocopying form without written permission of the publisher or author. The exception would be in the case of brief quotations embodied in the critical articles or reviews and pages where permission is specifically granted by the publisher or author.

This is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and events used in this book are the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual people, alive or deceased, events, or locales is completely coincidental.

Copyright © 2020 D. L. Finn

All rights reserved.

Photograph: D. L. Finn

ISBN: 978-1-7329662-3-9

D. L. Finn

www.dlfinnauthor.com

D. C. Hawk Publishing

Did you ever wish you could take back something you said, even if it was just a joke? One of those moments happened while sitting around the Easter celebration table in our dream house, only the two of us. The world was spinning out of control. The news was glum, and we missed our family, so in true Janice-fashion, I tried to add some lightness to the meal.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Bigfoot came to our door with a plate of food.

Dale paused a second from devouring his favorite turkey meal and burst into laughter.

Encouraged that I was in a brilliant comedic mode, although I’m sure the wine had more to do with it, I added, I wouldn’t be surprised if a UFO landed in our front yard.

Now I was laughing too. I sucked back a giggle. I wouldn’t be surprised if a herd of serial killers stampeded down our driveway.

I continued throwing out my zingers until I ran out of ideas. Our good spirits lasted through dessert. Soon reality’s somber mood crept back into the day.

A week later, I found out my comments might have been taken seriously when someone or something visited us.

This looks good, thanks, Dale peeked in from the garage late Sunday morning.

I frowned. What does?

This plate of bread. He held up a foil-covered paper plate.

Not mine. Where did you get it?

Dale’s graying brows pulled together over his puzzled brown eyes. "It was sitting on the back of my truck. Must have been out there all morning. I