Time out for redheads

"Time Out for Redheads" by Miriam Allen De Ford is a science fiction short story published in the mid-20th century. The narrative revolves around Mikel Skot, a shy ticket-seller at Time Travel Tours, who suddenly finds himself embroiled in a murder mystery that he never anticipated. The story explores themes of time travel, societal norms, and personal transformation, taken from a futuristic setting and juxtaposed with the past. The plot kicks off when Mikel witnesses the stabbing of a vibrant redheaded girl at his ticket counter and panics, gripping the antique knife used in the murder. In his frantic attempt to escape the chaos, he accidentally boards a time portal coupon for the past, journeying to an unfamiliar Los Angeles. As Mikel struggles to navigate this time period with its peculiar customs and lacks of technology, he meets the intriguing Betty French, who challenges his views on life, crime, and relationships. Mikel grapples with the repercussions of his actions and the fear of returning home, only to discover that the murder was staged for entertainment purposes, ultimately leading to a newfound confidence and understanding of human connections. The story weaves a tale of self-discovery, motivated by the enchanting redhead who inadvertently changes Mikel's life forever. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Miriam Allen deFord was an American writer best known for her mysteries and science fiction. During the 1920s, she wrote for a number of left-wing magazines including The Masses, The Liberator, and the Federated Press Bulletin. Her short story, A Death in the Family, appeared on the second season, episode #2, segment one, of Night Gallery.