Shadow Landers

In the story "Shadow Landers" by Nyledge Smith, we follow the protagonist, Frederick Taylor, a middle-aged Black man in Winberg. He encounters a man named Timothy Masters who asks for his help in stopping monsters from targeting New York. Frederick, who is actually a former hero known as the Demon Wolf, initially refuses. He goes home to his girlfriend, Kim, and shares his encounter with Masters. Despite his reluctance, Kim reassures him that they will figure things out together. The next day, Frederick is approached by Chief Oglesby, who offers him a case involving rumors of a creature killing people in Jerryland. Frederick, still conflicted, agrees to think about it. The story sets the stage for Frederick's internal struggle as he navigates his past as a hero and his current life as a detective, all while facing new threats and challenges.