Dead's Night (Dire Calls 4)

This story is now available in the first Dire Calls bundle: The Partners.

Months of sitting idle in the bull pen while his squadmates handle the legwork have left Homicide Unit Detective Griffon Dire restless and yearning for a case. A chance call for backup comes across his link on the busiest night of the year and Dire responds to the request, if only to get back on the street for a few minutes.

The routine stop of a suspected stolen vehicle erupts in a vicious assault as an ambush catches the officers off guard. With one uniform critically wounded and the other injured, Dire is forced to go beyond his training and embrace his powerful heritage in defense of his comrades.

He drives the attackers off, but is unable to stomach seeing the assailants escape justice, and gives chase. Confronted with the no-man's land of the Warrens, he disregards department regs and pursues. Trapped in a maze of slums and unable to call for help, Griffon faces a fight for his life on Dead's Night.

Bonus story, Midnight Sorrows

Dire's increasingly reckless behavior forces his ex-partner, Thief, to bring things full circle as he makes a decision which will change Griffon's life forever.

Dire Calls shorts offer readers a quick fix of police procedural action situated in the fantastic world of author Mathew Reuther's Thousand Kingdoms. Perfect for lunchtime, commute, or similar quick reads, the stories focus on the men and women of New Dagonia's finest. New tales of bravery and duty are available every two weeks, ensuring that fans are never stuck waiting too long for new episodes.

Reader Advisory: Dire Crimes stories contain themes which are appropriate for young adult to mature readers. Parents are encouraged to read the story before deciding if their YA readers are mature enough for the subject matter.

(Story lengths: 13,100 & 3400 words; SFWA Class: Novelette & Short Story)