Fiction:

"Jack's Masterpiece," by Kendall Evans (flash fiction)

"Dance Therapeutic," by Darren Speegle
     Domino remembers his father as a distant, overly-intelligent man who expected the same from his son. Afternoons spent in his room studying when he should have been out playing with neighborhood children. Now he's a profiler for the police force, and the latest case repeatedly conjures up memories from his childhood.

"Trick Candles," by Stephen D. Rogers
Recommended for a 2002 Stoker Award; Received a 2002 Honorable Mention in Year's Best
     Phil is hopeless as a father. He won't deny it, but he'll also tell you he tries his best and he does love his daughter. He just wishes Shellac would return his love as daughters are meant to do.

"The Samhain Incident," by Michael Greenhut
     Do you believe in curses? Do you believe in the link between past, present, and future, the ever-present thread that ties us all to one another? Do you believe past actions can affect today? Even over the course of hundreds of years?


"Familiar Faces," by Kealan-Patrick Burke
     Grant's tired and he still has more miles to cover before he's home to his wife. So is the life of a businessman. But he recognizes the gas station attendant. And the police officer's partner. And that trucker in the other lane. And...


"The Endless Hunt," by Richard Dysinger
     He's coming hundreds of miles and many years to be here. This Spanish adobe where the scent of blood still lingers. He's brought with him Jack, a much needed sidekick if he's to ever end this hunt, track down his brother, his curse, his nightmare.


"Purity," by Spencer Allen
Received a 2002 Honorable Mention in Year's Best
     Vincent Garber is an ornery old man who lives next door. He has diabetes, and because of his worrisome sister, Tyson regularly has to go over and check on the man and his host of albino pets. If only diabetes and a general attitude of bitterness were the old man's only afflictions.

Poetry:

"Ravenous," by Christina Sng

"Her Horrible Silence," by Lee Clark Zumpe
Received a 2002 Honorable Mention in Year's Best

"Nightmare Nurse," by William P. Robertson

"Crimes of Our Youth," by Christina Sng
Received a 2002 Honorable Mention in Year's Best

"The Dogs of Westville," by Michael Chant

"tortuous aorta," by Michael Arnzen


Artwork:

Nathan Combs (Cover)
Roxell Edward Karr ("Dance Therapeutic")
Marcia A. Borell ("Trick Candles")
Russell Dickerson ("The Samhain Incident")
Nick Rose ("Familiar Faces")
David Grilla ("The Endless Hunt")
Rick Hudson ("Purity")