Archived Short Stories

Nicole Jeffords is an artist and writer focused on people, politics and culture. She is the author of a memoir, The World of Franyo, and the two-part fictional series, A Secret Grave, which are all available on Amazon as well as the writer of numerous stories published in various quarterlies and literary publications. Nicole regularly publishes fiction and nonfiction stories on this website, both in short and serialized form. As she publishes new works, older stories are archived here.

Nicole Jeffords Nicole Jeffords

When Opportunity Knocks

In this compelling tale of obsession and revenge, Margaret Stallings, a seemingly ordinary woman with an intense and manipulative personality, becomes the nightmare of renowned portrait artist Natalie Gurevitz. Margaret’s demand for an immediate portrait spirals into a chilling vendetta when Natalie refuses her commission. Determined to ruin the artist, Margaret unleashes a campaign of harassment and slander that escalates into terrifying real-world consequences. As Margaret's relentless pursuit threatens to destroy Natalie’s career and safety, the true extent of her malicious intent is revealed, turning what began as a simple refusal into a harrowing battle against a dangerous foe.

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Nicole Jeffords Nicole Jeffords

A Conversation I Didn’t Want to Overhear

When Susan embarks on a dream vacation to New Zealand with her husband, she doesn’t expect to find herself ensnared in a web of unsettling social dynamics and personal revelations. Amidst the breathtaking landscapes and luxurious resorts, Susan grapples with feelings of inadequacy stemming from her unconventional past and awkward encounters with elitist acquaintances. A chance encounter with a mysterious stranger in the dead of night further unravels her sense of security, leaving her reeling with fear and vulnerability. Susan’s story is a poignant exploration of identity, marriage and the hidden dangers that lurk beneath the surface, even in paradise.

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Nicole Jeffords Nicole Jeffords

Upended

"Upended" delves into the complexities of love, betrayal, and consequence within a fractured family dynamic. As teenager Amy grapples with her parents' unexpected divorce and her own romantic entanglements, tensions rise to a heartbreaking climax with devastating consequences. Brace yourself for a riveting exploration of familial bonds, unexpected twists, and the profound impact of choices made in the name of love.

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Nicole Jeffords Nicole Jeffords

Girl on Fire

Rachel was the first person to discover the remains of a girl who’d fallen victim to a heinous murder. As the only eye witness to the tail end of the drama, Rachel knew that she could be in trouble, too. Could the man who’d screeched away in the van that morning have seen her watching? Rachel lived in a state of fear for her own life. One day, Rachel made an impulsive decision to buy a house that was priced well below market value. There was no way she could’ve known that this house would inextricably link her forever to the dead girl she’d found on the side of the road, the girl on fire.

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Nicole Jeffords Nicole Jeffords

Lies That Kill

Kaimana Gallant purported herself to be a priestly woman who could cure all kinds of maladies, even cancer. With her long flowy dresses and a house full of potions she’d dreamed up as superior to none, she certainly looked the part of a skilled healer. But her whole life, down to her real name, was a total fabrication. She had everyone fooled, so it came as a shock when two unlikely individuals, a woman dying of cancer and Kaimana’s own unemployed live-in boyfriend, were the ones to expose her as the fraud she was.

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Nicole Jeffords Nicole Jeffords

A Few Good Murders

Kevin Miles was sixteen when he committed what might be considered his first murder. And for over three decades his secret remained hidden. But then, one fateful night, in a room full of strangers who’d just taken Ayahuasca, Kevin’s true identity would be revealed through someone else’s vision. Would Kevin act on his natural impulses or would he remain inconspicuous to the unsuspecting souls around him? Only one person could tell you.

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Nicole Jeffords Nicole Jeffords

A Ghost Story

When an acquaintance recounted the following story, she warned that some details might be disturbing. I’ll leave that for you to decide.

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