About WheelMan Press

Phoenix Tales: Stories of Death & Life reached an all time high ranking of #13 in the Short Story category on the Amazon Kindle last week, and has risen into the top 100 in the category numerous times this month. The book, originally published in 2005 and revised and republished last year, has by far been my best seller to date, and the continued positive feedback I’ve gotten from it continues to be both amazing and humbling, and I am immensely grateful for everyone’s support. If you have yet to read Phoenix Tales, click here to check it out now.

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An excerpt from the story “Touched”:

JOSEPH STROKED THE hem of the silk dress, ignoring the “Do not touch” signs posted nearby. His fingertips slid over the sleek fabric, whose fibers were fine, delicate, aesthetically beautiful in their craftsmanship. Pages of data from his neurodex scrolled before his eyes. Though he knew silk was synthetically produced these days, it was still interesting to learn about the tiny creatures that had once spun the thread.

“Come on, Honey,” called Mama. “It’s time to go.”

Joseph approached the checkout counter, taking his place at his mother’s side like a good little boy. He looked up at the elderly store clerk, who flashed a scant-toothed grin his way. While on the surface the man showed friendliness, Joseph detected the strained twitch in the man’s right cheek muscle, the nervous jitter of his pupils. A bead of sweat ran down the man’s hairless scalp, slipping between his eyes to dangle on the narrow peak of his nose. Joseph sighed.

He had discovered long ago that most people were awful liars.

“Is there a problem, Lou?” Mama asked. Joseph noted how her pulse rate had suddenly increased.

“No Ma’am,” Lou replied in a creaky voice, prying his gaze off the boy. “I was just–”

“You were just what?”

“Uh, nothing, Ma’am.”

“Then please ring up my items so we can go.”

Lou quickly finished the transaction under Mama’s heated scrutiny. She absently ran her fingers through her son’s sandy blonde hair.

“Will that be all, Mrs. Shuler?” asked Lou as he handed her the bag.

“Definitely,” Mama said, snatching it away from him and striding toward the exit. Joseph followed. He glanced over his shoulder as he passed through the doorway. He caught a glimpse of Lou’s face before the door closed between them. The man had dropped the mask of geniality; his contempt for the boy was now clear.

Mama stopped just outside the door and knelt beside her son.

“Don’t let that ignorant old fool upset you, okay?”

“I won’t, Mama.”

“Good boy,” she replied, kissing him on the nose. She stood and started down the sidewalk. Joseph followed obediently, avoiding eye contact with those they passed. Instead, he focused his attention on the swing of Mama’s russet curls as they spilled down the nape of her neck. Her beige jacket hugged her slim waist, and the matching skirt stopped just above her knees, showcasing her long legs. The heels of her leather shoes pounded a measured beat along the sidewalk. She looked back from time to time to smile at her son.

Posted on May 14th, 2009 by admin
Filed under: News, News & Notes