Robert D. Gabriel wrote his first short story in about 1985 on an Underwood manual typewriter. It got rave reviews from his roommates. Well life, in the form of triplet children, helped him hit the pause button on his passion to write as he couldn't find the time. Forty years and a lifetime later, Rob found the time. AND There are more coming after this maiden voyage called Baker's Dozen: A Collection of Short Stories, Volume One. Rob lives in Alexandria, Va and has been involved in the Washington DC music scene for over forty years performing in R&B, country, swinging blues band called The Spoilers. Rob's father, Colonel Arnald D. Gabriel(ret) a graduate of Ithaca College was Commander and conductor of The United States Air Force Band in Washington DC and his mother, Joan Gramham Gabriel also a graduate of Ithaca College, was a jazz vocalist, a pianist and violinist. Mentors and heroes both. Rob is currently writing his second book of 'speculative' fiction short stories because he found the time...hope you enjoy this one.