Hyperion (DeRicki Johnson)

Staff Writer DeRicki Johnson is a Texas-born writer who began writing poetry and short stories as a teen. He’s worked as a newspaper reporter and columnist, beginning in the 1970s with a stint as a news reporter for the Times-Picayune in New Orleans. Mr. Johnson is publishing a collection of poems this year, and is focusing on building his short story and long form writing skills, with an eye toward becoming a published novelist.

The Bodyguard

I reflect on how fortune’s whim changed the trajectory of this young woman’s life. Instead of prison, she had become an Army Ranger. One so deadly, a shadowy agency recruited her for the government’s most sensitive and dangerous off-books missions. Arguably a better direction, but one that would test her concepts of honor and service. Well, the government’s loss is my gain.

Eye On The Prize, Part II

But, before I can muster a reply, she tenses and looks back up the road behind my Range Rover. “Someone’s coming.” She gives me a sardonic smirk. “Friends of yours?”

I gather my wits, and in an effort made of pure will, I croak, “Run.”

Eye On The Prize, Part I

I sense an opportunity too good to pass up. One guard has been playing footsie with the other guard’s wife… so, I give his mind a little push.
“I slept with your wife,” the adulterating security guard blurts to his co-worker.
“What?! You motherfu—”

Subscribe To In The Pantheon