Projection of Shadows (Short Story)

Madge's face grimaces in pain, and her eyes squint shut long enough to give me a brief stay from the pleading and condemnation that live in them. Then her face dissolves into the lined features of my landlady.
I've learned to stop flinching when this happens—when Madge's face drapes like a mask over another person's features and then disappears again. But I still feel that icy fear that courses through my blood, leaving me feeling like a chilled husk.
My landlady eyes me sideways. She doesn’t miss much. She tries to mask her fear with impatience, obviously unsure of whether or not I can be trusted.
I can't.
"You got your rent?" The mistress of this manor likes to keep her interactions with me short, to the point, and from a safe distance. I know she's looking for a reason to kick me out, but I never give her any. It was hard enough to find this hidey-hole. The last thing I need to do is start all over again.
"Yes, ma'am. Theater paid me yesterday." I stretch out my hand with the cash, and she snatches it. She finds the courage to turn her back on me as she walks away, but she can't help but glance once over her shoulder.
Every week is the same, though I've been here for some time now. No harm will come to her by my hand, but the stench of violence is on me, and that little nose of hers works just fine.

* * *


I should've gone farther away from Indiana. I meant to. I got myself as far as this town just outside Toledo. I’m hoping none of the people looking for me in Indy will think to look for me here. This town is small, but not too small, and a full day's drive from Indianapolis. Not that I have a car anymore. Even the idea of getting behind the wheel again makes me anxious.
And the Klan isn’t as strong here, which helps. It also helps that there’s no love lost between the Ohio Klan leaders and the Indiana Klan. I doubt they’d give me up to the Grand Dragon, my old boss, D.C. Stephenson—AKA the defendant in The State of Indiana v. David Curtis Stephenson in the murder of Madge Oberholtzer.
The missing star witness for that case hides in plain sight, spending days and nights in a movie projection booth or alone in his rented room trying to not to think about what happened to Madge.
What I let happen.
Twice.

* * *


It was the Ides of March of all days when D.C. sent Earl Gentry to go get Madge Oberholtzer from her parents' house....

🖤 "'Projection of Shadows' is a gripping read that draws you in from the first page. H. Dair Brown’s writing is fluid, modern, and dynamic, creating a tense atmosphere that keeps you hooked throughout. The choice to weave a fictional story from a real historical event adds depth and gives the narrative a rich, layered context."

🖤 "The protagonist’s inner struggle with guilt and memory makes this more than just a suspenseful story."

🖤 "Projection of Shadows" is a haunting exploration of guilt, memory, and the enduring power of the past. H. Dair Brown's prose is both lyrical and chilling, weaving a tale of suspense that will linger long after the final scene fades to black."

🖤 "Brown is certainly an author to watch. Plus, the stylish cover design perfectly matches the tone of the book!"