After 50 years of stagnation the American short story is changing. Stories now are expected to be entertaining– as they once were, incidentally. It’s the only way stories can compete in an increasingly noisy society with a myriad of choices.

That’s the premise, anyway, behind this website! Today we have a shoplifting story by James Guthrie, “Code 99,”   which is short and simple. We believe it’s also entertaining. As they say in the restaurant biz, enjoy!

“You,” the floorwalker shouted, pointing straight at me. “Let’s go.” And off he sprinted, assuming I was close behind.