"Night Watch" a short story by Craig Zimmerman

For the twentieth time, Virgil checked his watch. It was 3:30, he still had four hours to go. When he applied for the security guard job, he thought it would be an easy way to make some cash but the reality was long cold nights with no one to talk to.  

His present assignment was watching over an industrial park in the valley. Virgil decided to do another walk around the installation to kill some time.

As he was walking around a warehouse a woman walked out of the mist. Virgil could hardly believe his eyes. The woman was beautiful and dressed in a fabulous outfit. "Can I help you Miss?" Virgil asked in his best security guard voice.

"I'm looking for a boyfriend." The woman answered. "I haven't seen anyone besides you tonight." Virgil answered. The woman smiled. "What I meant was I am looking for a new boyfriend."

"That's very nice, but this probably isn't the best place to do that." Virgil remarked. "How about you- would you like to go out with me?" The woman inquired. Virgil was beginning to think this was a weird joke, but what the hell. "Sure, I'll go out with you." he answered. The woman held out her hand, "I'm Margaret" Virgil took the delicate hand "Virgil."

 "Let's go someplace."  Margaret said. Virgil stepped back. "I can't just leave. This is my job." "What if we could  go somewhere and you wouldn't have to worry about that?" Margaret said.Virgil shrugged. "Sure why not." He was beginning to think he was actually asleep in the guard shack and this was a dream.

Margaret clasped his hand once again and they were suddenly on the banks of a river. "What happened?" Virgil asked. "I thought it would be fun to visit London." Margaret answered. Virgil searched for and found all the familiar English landmarks.  "Are we really in London?" Margaret nodded. "How is that possible?" he asked. "It's just a special talent that I have." Margaret answered mysteriously.

For the next few hours, the couple wandered around London and had dinner in an old pub. True to her word, Virgil was returned to his job at the same time that he left. He didn't miss anything. 

As the sun came up, Virgil thought about the incredible events of the previous night and couldn't wait for his next shift. Margaret had promised to take him to Paris.

"Edwin The Crow" a short story by Craig Zimmerman

From his perch on a light pole, Edwin spotted the new car coming into the parking lot before the other crows did. Hoping to score some food, Edwin quickly descended to the pavement beside the car.

Instead of food, the driver flicked a burning cigarette at Edwin who expertly dodged the butt. Taking to the air again, Edwin dropped one on the windshield and hood of the smokers car. The smoker cursed at Edwin who laughed silently.

 After returning  to the light pole, Edwin noticed Julie's car coming into the parking lot. Julie was the closest thing to a friend that Edwin had and she always had good food to share.

Julie emerged from her car with a plate of goodies and even a bowl of clean water. "Good afternoon Edwin" she said putting the dishes down. Edwin didn't understand what Julie as saying, but he loved the sound of her voice.

After he finished eating, Julie put the dishes in her car. "I will see you later Edwin. It's time for work." Edwin watched Julie head into the large building where all the humans came and went.

Edwin had spent his entire life at the Walmart and he was a witness to all the odd little dramas that occur in parking lots: Old people struggling to walk, babies crying, a young couple kissing and later on arguing. The next day it would be  a similar tableau of human behavior.

After several hours, Edwin watched Julie emerge from the building, but he immediately sensed that something was wrong. A man in dark clothing followed his friend. Edwin flew over to Julie and warned her of the danger with several loud "Caws". In response to Edwin's warning, Julie ran back into the building. The stranger following her ran in another direction.

After making sure that Julie left the parking lot safely, Edwin returned to his light pole and tried to get some rest for the day ahead.