“The Artist in the Flesh” appears in Birdy 106, from October 2022, with art by @moon_patrol. Alternate title “Chupacabra Chop a Cow, Bra”?
The steer had been flayed and dissected, its skin, organs and bones arranged upon the shrubland in a meticulous mandala with the animal’s heart at its center, a cloud of black flies fighting the Wyoming wind to claim their share of the bounty. Dick Gerlits stalked slowly around the circle — fifty feet from edge to edge — a scowl steadily cutting deeper into his leathered features.
“What do you think, boss?” asked Hector.
Gerlits took his time answering. “I think I’m gonna find the son of a bitch that did this and nail his fucking hide to my wall. If it’s the last thing I do in this life, I’m gonna find him.”
“Well, watch out if you do,” said JJ. “Cause this son of a bitch has got a sharp knife.”
THE FELL AND THE FAE 