Twelve-year-old boys who play rough in an alley-with a ten-year-old girl. A curly-tailed puppy whose eyes are curiously knowing. A upstanding Ugandan villager who weighs the rewards-and consequences-of a family business decision. At first glance, each seems as innocent as a newborn kitten that, if you get close enough, might give you an affectionate lick. The next thing you know, though, you've got a nasty little lymph node infection called cat scratch fever. Don't worry-it's not life threatening. Usually. The collection includes fifteen stories about both the light and the dark side of the human condition. Bad things happen in "The Alley," a tale told by a narrator who should know--he did some of them. Or did he? Only the victims can answer that question, and they're not talking. Man's best friend offers the ultimate proof of his loyalty in "Bad Dog." The cute little canine doesn't care whether his master is a good man or an evil one, he simply obeys. Benon Otema is not a criminal, he's just ambitious. A stalwart leader of his village, a successful merchant, a father and good provider, Benon should know better than to listen to tales told by a drunkard. But he does, and the story takes him to the "Blind Curve." In "A Tale Of The Christ," the epic movie Ben Hur weaves through a boy's tragic summer. Like an impressionist's painting, "Tooth Fairy Daddy" explores a boy's very mixed feelings for the father he visits on weekends. At the end of his hard life, Konstantinos struggles with the debts owed him by his church and his God in "The Mark On The Dove." In addition to fifteen short stories, the book includes excerpts from two novels. "Heart of Diamonds, a novel of scandal, love, and death in the Congo," is a thriller about diamond smuggling in the war-torn heart of Africa. "Hunting Elf, a doggone Christmas story," is a comedic romp that's delightful reading any time of the year.