Footsteps pad along the hallway and into my bedroom. I try not to laugh, knowing what’s coming next. A warm body scoots up beside mine and my right eye is gently pulled open by two tiny fingers.

“Jane, it’s get up time.”

Although I want sleep, Ruby’s grin is too hard to resist. I pick up my baby sister and head to the kitchen. My mother’s bedroom door is closed. Without a job anymore, she’s rarely up before noon. The fridge is empty, the cupboards bare. Ruby observes my every movement. It pains me the look on her face, the worry in her eyes. In a drawer is a watermelon lollipop, which I pass over. It’s the best I can do.

Outside I steer Ruby to childcare, her tiny hand in mine. By the time we say our goodbyes, her lips are covered in sticky green dye.

I shuffle along Queen Street. Between the smells wafting from the restaurants and people with supersized cups and donuts, my mouth is watering. It hardly seems fair.

Part of it is my fault. Stealing from the grocery store where I worked parttime wasn’t the smartest move. My boss had a right to fire me. But for one stupid stinking piece of cheese? I can’t catch a break.

The high school looms ahead. If I could skip class to search for a new job, I would, but the best way to forge a better future is through education. Besides, I’ll get another job. In the meantime, bills are overdue and Ruby needs sneakers. The last thing I want is to shoplift. But if I have to…

At five o’clock, Ruby and I are in the park, where I open today’s bag. One ham sandwich to share. Apple slices and a couple of cookies. I spread the picnic between us. Ruby giggles, which takes my breath away.

I pull her into a tight hug, soaking in her innocence. For one moment, my concerns vanish. No matter what issues arise tomorrow, every decision I make—good or bad—will be to ensure our family gets one last chance.

Karen Grose’s short story, ‘A Promise Kept,’ is one of 22 stories included in Larceny & Last Chances: 22 Stories of Mystery & Suspense, edited by Judy Penz Sheluk,

Larceny & Last Chances: 22 Stories of Mystery & Suspense edited by Judy Penz Sheluk
Genre: Traditional Mystery / Suspense Anthology
Release: June 2024
Format: Print, Digital
Purchase Link

Sometimes it’s about doing the right thing. Sometimes it’s about getting even. Sometimes it’s about taking what you think you deserve. And sometimes, it’s your last, best, chance. Edited by Judy Penz Sheluk and featuring stories by Christina Boufis, John Bukowski, Brenda Chapman, Susan Daly, Wil A. Emerson, Tracy Falenwolfe, Kate Fellowes, Molly Wills Fraser, Gina X. Grant, Karen Grose, Wendy Harrison, Julie Hastrup, Larry M. Keeton, Charlie Kondek, Edward Lodi, Bethany Maines, Gregory Meece, Cate Moyle, Judy Penz Sheluk, KM Rockwood, Kevin R. Tipple, and Robert Weibezahl.

Meet the author
Karen Grose is from Toronto, Canada. Her debut novel, The Dime Box, was selected by Amnesty International for its 2021 Book Club. Her second, Flat Out Lies, will be released July 2024. ‘A Promise Kept’ is her first published short story.

About the editor
Judy Penz Sheluk is a former journalist and magazine editor and the bestselling author of two mystery series, several short stories, and two books on publishing. She is also the publisher and editor of four Superior Shores Anthologies. Find out more at judypenzsheluk.com.