Tough one - a short science fiction story

[leftarmofgod]

What is this short story's name?
It is about how this guy can write symbols and kill people within a week of them seeing the symbols. Also, he is brought into a company where he kills random people by writing them letters. He eventually kills his boss and leaves. Any ideas?

Also, he kills his boss with his tie, which is personal to him and something personal is required to kill the person.

 

[Cantiloper]

There's a movie from about 20 years ago titled "Cast A Deadly Spell" that has a nonmagical detective trying to solve crimes in a 1930s style gangster world that is filled with magic. At least one of the deaths is accomplished by handing someone a piece of paper with some sort of "killing rune" on it that eventually slices the recipient up into a bloody mess. Great movie actually!


Michael

 

[Skarro9]

That sounds like a stephen King short story "Everything's Eventual" in the collection of the same name. That's an awesome story. Came out in 2002.

 

[j d worthington]

The basic premise dates back to at least M. R. James' famed tale, "Casting the Runes", from the very early years of the 20th century; but the details you include make it obvious that what you are looking for is not this piece. I've not read the particular King, but it sounds as if it might be a good bet. As for Cast a Deadly Spell... that part of that particular film was a nod to James, and the similar tales which followed. (It's a film, by the way, of which I am rather fond....)

By the way, in case you're interested in looking at the James for comparison:

http://www.horrormasters.com/Text/a0283.pdf

 

[HoopyFrood]

Damnit, one I actually knew in the whole time I've been at the Chrons and someone's already said it. Yes, I'm pretty sure that's Everything's Eventual from the King collection of the same name.