Goodbye, Dead Man!

"Goodbye, Dead Man!" by Tom W. Harris is a science fiction story set in a dangerous reactor facility where outsiders have taken control; it explores the dark sides of human nature, revenge, and how our beliefs can shape reality. Danny Hern clashes with the ruthless Orley Mattup after Mattup takes a life during a card game. Danny, driven by fury, puts a hex on Mattup using eleven cents, a promise that any attempt to spend it will bring about his end. The story ramps up as Mattup's fear and belief in the curse grow stronger, leading him to desperately hang onto the cursed money. The story takes a surprising turn to show that the money is actually radioactive, turning Danny's curse into a deadly reality for Mattup, who ultimately falls victim to the destiny Danny crafted through mind games and playing on Mattup's flaws.