Rough Morning

Note: This story is available in Black Cat Weekly #157 in September of 2024

There is a school of thought that says all mysteries must be murder mysteries. I've never attended that school. Yes, a true mystery should involve crime, but some of the most interesting crimes I've encountered didn't have a body, and I think it's a limiting troupe that should be challanged.

I've always seen Friday Hampton as a competent, experienced officer. She's seen dead bodies. She's chased down fleeing felons. I was noodling on what sort of crime would actually get an officer at this stage of Friday's career worried enough to call their old mentor for help. I feel like I did a pretty good job with "Rough Morning." I can't think of a single officer who wouldn't freak out if this happened to them.

Enjoy!