It’s the sedan just within sight that seems to be mimicking your speed and movements as you walk down the dark deserted street late at night. As the hairs rise on the back of your neck you wonder, Who is behind the wheel and what is the driver’s intent? It’s The Black Car Business and its presence means your life is about to abruptly change. You try to assure yourself there’s nothing wrong, but your pace quickens nonetheless, and soon you’re running, desperate for that narrow sliver between two buildings to slip through, the one too narrow for the black car to pass through.
It’s that car parked just down the block that sends chills down your spine and keeps you awake throughout the night.
It’s the sanctuary you race toward when you’re being chased, only to explode when you turn the key.
It’s the one that skids off the icy mountain overpass and plunges into the cavernous grotto.
It’s where Clemenza garrotes Carlo just as he’s about to be driven to the airport.
It’s The Black Car Business.
My contribution to this Lawrence Kelter-edited anthology is “Details in Black,” a story of transferred obsession, our parents, our partners, and the importance of details…I’m willing to bet my take is a bit different than the others in this anthology, but you tell me.
This was a fun story to write, particularly since I mined my father’s considerable knowledge of classic cars to make sure that the details are right. I mean, how often do you give a crime fiction story to someone to read for feedback and the most telling comment is that “this model doesn’t have a hood prop, but uses springs to stay up”?
Details, man. Details.
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