Last year, my first ever collection of short stories was published. The collection is titled DOOMSDAY FURNACE. It features cover art by the one and only Matt Wajek. One of the stories is called “The Eighth of June,” and since today is the 8th of June, I thought I’d share it. Enjoy! (“Enjoy” may not be the right word…)

The Eighth of June

Do you remember where you were when you heard about the Doomsday Cloud? I remember where I was. I was sleeping in my bed, and Paula had stolen most of the blankets. At 3:20 am my cell rang. I am not a reasonable man when awoken from a deep sleep, and I think I woke up swearing.

Nobody calls to chit chat or deliver good news at 3:20 am. If the phone rings then, it’s probably an emergency. It was Izabel, and she was hysterical.

At 4:11 am on August 10th, I walked through the door at Sky Harbor Observatory. The entire place was alive. There was a fearless excitement in the air, and to be a part of that was like nothing I’ve ever known.