The Big League by Joshua Begley

Day 30 by vanishing446 on DeviantArt.com

“I coulda been a big leaguer.” Bobby swung his bat, enjoying the rush of air it created.

“Get outta here,” Louie said. He finished tying the informant to the chair.

“No, really. I was all set.”

“So what happened?”

“Leg got busted.”

The snitch squealed and squirmed. A dark stain spread across his pants.

“But even with this leg, I can outswing Ruth.”

“You gonna hit a homer?”

“I always hit a homer.” Bobby pointed to the other end of the warehouse, just like Ruth calling his shot. He swung and the snitch’s head snapped.

“Foul ball,” Louie said.

Blood by Name, Blood by Deed by Joshua Begley

Pirate Duel by WouterBruneel on DeviantArt

There. Richard saw it, the key to victory. War erupted around him as his crew fought the mutineers, but his attention stayed fixed on his first mate.

“You’re too gray, too weak to be captain anymore, Blood.”

Richard smiled and concentrated on his footing. The ship pitched and yawed on the waves. Blood and body parts rolled on the deck. One false step and it was all over.

The first mate went into his pattern, two feints and a slash. Richard stepped into the slash and ran the mutineer through.

“Blood by name, blood by deed, Captain.”

“Aye,” Richard said.