The rain was coming sideways when I clocked in. Wind off the ridge curled around the metal structure and threw itself against the crematorium. I stepped under the gutter’s edge, shoes making that gummy squeak across the tile entryway. The body was already staged for me in Bay Three. Steel cart. Black bag. Tag fastened…

I’d like to share with you my rendition of “The Monkey’s Paw,” a single from my story collection That Which Follows. Rewriting W.W. Jacobs’ legendary tale in my own voice was an honor. I approached it with deep respect for the original.   THE MONKEY’S PAW (Smithers Rendition)   ONE   Outside, the night pressed…