Reviews (16)  |  Table of Contents   |  [Report This]  |  Printer Chapter or Story
- Text Size +

Story Notes: A fun romp that pays tribute to Trek, pulp mags, and film noir.

From the Files of Merrick Dylan: Space Detective

Tonight’s Episode: The Case of the Black Shoe

Act One

It was one of those nights, you know the kind…real dark. It had just rained and the streets were wet, just like they always are in the old detective stories. I just came from a meeting with inspector Pat O’Shannigan of the New Kansas City police. He was good for throwing me a bone or two. Things were slow and I needed the work.
I wasn’t too drunk so I decided to stop by the office to check my messages.

It was late when I got to the Jefferies Building and my small third floor office. The lights were on and the door was ajar. I pulled my phaser expecting trouble. I liked this new heater, but kinda miss my old Colt .45 that shot real bullets. But this was the future and the price of progress.

I slowly stepped inside my office. There was a broad sitting in my chair with her legs stretched out on my desk. She was a good lookin dame, even in this black and white film noir situation I found myself in. Yet I was drawn back to her legs. She had the kind of legs that made me want to shinny up one of them like a native boy gathering coconuts.

Who ever she was, she was no threat. I holstered the phaser and replaced it with a cigarette. I lit it, took a puff and blew smoke into the air because the place needed more atmosphere.

–Good evening, Mister Dylan,” said this mystery woman.

–Good evening,” I replied.

–Your landlord let me in. He said I could wait for you here. You’re three months behind on your rent by the way.” In addition to her nice gams, she had a lovely voice.

–I am out of scotch too.”

The girl smiled. She opened a drawer from my desk and produced a brand new bottle of scotch. She poured two glasses. Even though I had just been drinking with O’Shannigan, I couldn’t turn down a drink from Leggy McLeggerson there. She raised a glass and took a drink.

–So what can I do for you Miss-,” I asked.

–West. Veronica West,” she replied. –I need your help, Mister Dylan.”

–How do you know my name,” I asked her.

–It says –Merrick Dylan: Space Detective” on your door."

Pretty and smart. I like that in a dame. Miss West took her legs off my desk, poured another a couple of drinks and lit herself a cigarette. She was sitting there all gorgeous and all behind my desk, puffing on her cig and drinking scotch like she owned the joint. I kinda liked that too.

–All right Miss West, what can I do for you,” I asked.

–It’s Veronica,” she answered with a smile. –Mister Dylan, I need your help. There are some Klingons out there that are trying to kill me.”

If I had a Orion nickel for every time I heard that one I’d be a wealthy man. I took a drink and shook my head. Miss West found that amusing and raised and eyebrow.

–Why don’t you go to the police?” Drinks were refilled.

–The police can’t help me, Mister Dylan. But you can. Will you take my case?”

–It’s five hundred a day, plus expenses, plus any unnecessary overcharges.”

–I’ve paid your back rent and your rent on the office for the next three months. Will that get us started?”

–It will. So tell me who is trying to kill you.”

–Why don’t we get out of here and we can discuss it over dinner.”

I am a sucker for a gal with legs, smarts, and class. This gal had all that and more. I helped her with her coat. It was late, but I am a card carrying member of the Sleepless Nights . I locked up the office and escorted Miss West to my car.


You must login (register) to review.