Business is Murder

©  Brian Barnett

First published at MicroHorror.com

He slid on his iconic mask again. It still fit after all these years. He's not as spry as he used to be, but his spirit is still there. His town's funds are running low again. The factory is about to go under again. Its time to go to work, he decided.

Thirty years ago he killed fifteen teenagers in one night. The media coverage was the best thing that ever happened to sleepy Shadybrook, Kentucky. The town's notoriety exploded across the nation.

Before long it was a tourist trap and a hotbed for dumb kids that wanted to tempt fate while blowing their hard earned summer job money on overpriced ‘I Survived Shadybrook' knick knacks.

Retiring was easy. The town was thriving and he could resume his post as sheriff. Unfortunately the tourism has slowed. The only silver lining is camping has become popular in the state park again.

He removed his favorite ax and Old Trusty – his butcher knife - from the sheriff vehicle. He couldn't help but swell with pride as he stepped into the woods. He was off to save the town again.