Halle couldn’t think much about her friends’ reaction. She was so nervous to meet Simon.
It had been a few weeks since he had sent the first messages. Since then there were a stream of them, asking about her day, reminding her of how beautiful she was and how glad he was to be speaking to her. He even told her he would like to meet her friends and have a proper relationship with her – kids, marriage; the whole works. When she expressed concern that it all seemed too good to be true he had sent back some pictures.
In the image he was stood on a sun kissed balcony. It didn’t look like Coldford City. There were lots of plants in the background. Wherever it had Helen taken it looked beautiful. What she found the most eye catching about the image was the piece of paper he was holding up. On that piece of paper was written I LOVE YOU, HALLE.
Halle had never been so excited. She felt like she could cry.
WHERE ARE YOU? She asked.
WITH THE FAMILY AT OUR HOME ABROAD. I’LL BE BACK IN THE CITY AGAIN SOON, BEAUTIFUL.
That was when the made the date and how Halle found herself in a small dockside restaurant. She was dressed in her best black dress. Janice had even done her makeup for her. She had never felt so nervous.
They were supposed to meet at six. The time went on half past the hour. There was still no time. She didn’t want to seem impatient, but she was concerned.
WHERE ARE YOU? She asked.
At 6:45 she finally received a response. It wasn’t from Simon. It was from another profile calling themselves RooneyMain.
HI, I’M SIMON’S MANAGER. HE HAS GOTTEN SOME TROUBLE GETTING BACK INTO THE CITY. HE WAS BRINGING SOME PACKAGES FOR YOU AND THEY HAVE BEEN CONFISCATED. THEY WERE GIFTS FOR YOU. HE NEEDS A GRAND TO GET THEM OUT OF CUSTOMS. ARE YOU ABLE TO HELP? HE WILL PAY YOU BACK.
She must have been contemplating her phone with a frown for too long. A woman at the table next to her with what Halle assumed was her partner asked if she was okay.
She shook it off with a polite, ‘I’m fine.’
She was dressed in her best black dress. She spent more time on her makeup than usual. She had even waxed and plucked, just in case things went that well. A girl dressed up, left sat alone, glaring at her phone. It didn’t take a seasoned detective to ascertain what happened.
Before she could respond to the manager, she received a message from Simon.
I’M SO SORRY, BEAUTIFUL. I REALLY WANT TO BE THERE FOR YOU. I’VE BEEN HELD UP SINCE THIS MORNING. I NEED TO PAY THE CUSTOMS FEE AND MY ACCOUNTS HAVE BEEN FROZEN.
THAT’S TERRIBLE she replied. ARE YOU OKAY?
I’LL BE FINE. I’LL SORT IT. I’M JUST SAD I CAN’T SEE YOU.
Halle gave it some thought.
I HAVE SOME SAVINGS. I CAN GIVE YOU THE 1000 IF IT WOULD HELP.
There was some back and forth on whether he could accept that or not. Eventually, it was decided he could. He sent her a digi wallet ID. It was under the name Harriet Malroney. She asked him about this. He told her it was one of the admins for his team.
He told her what an amazing person she was. He said he would pay her back as soon as he gained access to his accounts again.
Halle took a selfie from where she was. He responded with a stream of love eyed emojis.
MY BEAUTIFUL GIRL he wrote, expressing his regret they weren’t sharing their first meal together.
Then the strangest thing happened. He tried to initiate a video call. He must have wanted to apologise face to face. When she answered the call the screen was blank. The noise around her from the restaurant made it difficult to hear anything. The call cut.
TRIED TO CALL. SORRY I COULDN’T SEE YOU.
Halle left the restaurant, dreading explaining to her friends that she never met Simon and she had sent him money.
The full story will be available soon. In the meantime, an internet troll has taken over the city. The race is on to uncover their true identity before more reputations are ruined.
It didn’t matter how much he scrubbed, his hands just wouldn’t feel clean. The sink was filling with filthy water and blood which made him feel even worse. The skin of his palms looked irritated. He had heard it though. He knew he had heard it. The sound of the infant crying had been ringing in his ears all night. Daniel heard nothing. Daniel was a calming presence. He always quietened things. When Daniel was around the noise was softer and less intrusive. Vincent heard a child crying. It was the stifled calls of a small infant buried beneath the dirt. Daniel didn’t seem to hear it. He could tell something was bothering Vincent though.
“You’re just nervous about your first rehearsals.”
He couldn’t hear the infant in the garden crying to be dug up.
To keep his mind occupied Vincent drank a glass of whiskey. He sat in the sofa and imagined Daniel’s taxicab journey in his head. He would be crossing the Fullerton bridge from Filton towards Cardyne by then. He tried to imagine what small talk he would make with the taxi driver. Daniel was good at that. He would manage to fill the time with pleasantries. The soothing taxi ride became interrupted by the sound of the screaming again. He had to set them free. He had dropped the whiskey glass. He must have tried to pick up the shattered pieces without realising it. There was a great cut across his palm. Without cleaning it and applying a bandage he went to the gardens. The screaming was just too loud now. It didn’t sound like an infant anymore. It sounded like a whole choir of children, older, maybe the age of the Peterson twins. He hadn’t brought a shovel. The noise was just to great. He dug his hands into the dirt and started pulling it aside. The cries harmonised into one voice again. It crescendo and then came to a halt. There was nothing there. Now there was no noise. He was too late.
He despaired as he washed the dirt and blood from his hand. The tormenting noise had gone but the silence it had left behind was much worse.
SHORT STORY COMING SOON
Enjoy this? Check out these thrillers available now.
Coldford is known as the Shady City for a reason. It comes as no surprise that some really shady things have happened there. The press is forever swarming the streets in search of the best story. Here are five of the top most shocking headlines (so far at least).
MAYOR FELTZ REPORTED MISSING
Welcome to Coldford! One of the most pressing stories in the media lately is the disappearance of Mayor Jim Feltz. With the Feltz family hesitant to speak to many of the news outlets it is up to reporter, Sam Crusow, to uncover the truth. That truth is more sinister than he imagined. It also hints at a much bigger problem than it first seemed. That story takes him to an infamous cabaret join called THE KNOCK KNOCK CLUB. The story explodes from there.
The name Baines is synonymous with musical talent in the city. Vincent Baines, son of the great maestro Frederick Baines, carries that legacy without a doubt. The trouble with Vincent is he suffers from Obsessive Personality Disorder. He becomes fixated. His empathy drives him to distraction.
Enlisted by the wealthy Beckingridge family, his new pupil seems plagued with issues of his own. Only the beautiful music can stop Vincent spiralling whilst he uncovers what is truly going on behind the ominous walls of Beckingridge Manor.
Call them devout, call them a cult. One thing not to call the Church of Wigan is shy of expression their faith.
Located on the island of Hathfield, just a short ferry ride from the city, the Church of Wigan has been present for centuries. Over those centuries there have been rumours of sacrificial practices and abuse cover ups.
There have been many who have left the city for the island, never to return. Families have reported after joining the church, their loved ones have never been the same. Now, the church has started to spill into the city, making their presence felt with Hell fire.
THE BOSS PRISON ON LOCKDOWN FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A DECADE
Coldford correctional, better known as The Boss, is a Hellish home for the worst of the worst in the city. Quietly it looms over the north. That was until a lockdown was called for the first time in many years, leaving those on the outside completely dark as to what was going on within.
When we are able to hide behind a screen we lose that little bit of our humanity. Without seeing someone face to face you can lose empathy.
The internet is a dark place and when you are online in Coldford you can be sure to expect the worst.
A paricular troll going by the screen named PINDROP25 has certainly caused a lot of real life havoc. Responsible for kidnapping, terror attacks and the ruin of many a reputation it seems like they can’t be stopped. Enter the specialist team.
Lord John is the snarkiest of the Chamberlain siblings. The younger brother of Lady Jane and the elder of Lord James, John was always considered the runt of the litter. He spent his life trying to prove himself amongst a powerful and influential family. This was not helped when he was overlooked as head of the family for more favoured brother, James.
John is ambitious, power hungry and downright evil for the most part. With a penchant for strangling prostitutes and a real skill at chess, Lord John is a figure to be remembered in the Shady City.
John’s place at the head of the Chamberlain family fell further away from him when James’ Wigan wife, Natalie, gave birth to two children, Charlotte and son and heir Francis. This leaves the deplorable Lord more obsticals to get out of his way. The key to a successful chess match is patience after all!
Lord John has set his sights on the mayoral office of Coldford and with that secured he will not only surpass his family name anyway, giving him the power to do whatever the hell he likes, turning the Shady City into his own personal chess board.
Lord John knows how to hold a grudge. When an internet troll threatens to expose crimes he committed several years ago it takes all his chess mastery to avoid a check and turn the game in his favour.
Coldford City aka The Shady City consists of several different areas, each Hell bent on protecting its own lot. Each has its heroes and villains. It’s up to you to decide which is ultimately good or evil.
THE PENNS: MAIN
Arguably one of the most influential families in Coldford. Hailing from City Main, they carry with them, royal titles. The Marquis de Penn, gifted the land where Main now stands several centuries ago, set up for his lineage to grow in strength with every generation.
The Penns have had to survive a long time in the shades of Coldford so they’re no stranger to ditching the crown and getting their hands dirty.
THE MACKS: BELLFIELD
Unlike the Penns, the Macks are a working class family. The rule Bellfield from their whiskey distillery.
Led by BRENDAN MACK, supported by his five sons, the Macks of Bellfield are a charming bunch. They are also quite notorious. Bombings, assassinations, riots and football thuggery are just some of the things they carry in their reputation.
The Mack Distillery, located on Love Street in Bellfield.
THE BERGMANS: KINGSGATE
The diamond merchants came to Coldford from Levinkrantz quite recently in their history. Patriarch, HOWARD BERGMAN, is a gentle man and who finds the idea of war appalling. His sister, SOPHIE congenitally deaf Law Maker, feels differently and has much more bite.
Howard has worked hard to keep his family safe by not getting involved in the violence of the place. Trouble is, that spread is likely to find him one day. He can’t avoid it forever.
THE OWENS: ABBOTSFORD
Loud, rambuncious and with an aim that never misses.
Led by Captain Charles ‘CHICK‘ Owen aka The Cappy, the Owens have always gone from strength to strength. They are ustoppable for most in that they have no moral code. There is not a low they won’t stoop to.
The Cappy’s only son, Bernard ‘BUDDY‘ Owen, is the son and heir and boy is that an issue for the Owen INC CEO. Buddy is not like his father. He is more interested in frat boy shenanigans with his KAPPA SO bros.
Will he toe the line and become the ruthless captain of industry his father is, or will he lead Owen Inc to a completely different future? Either way, the city waits with baited breath.
There are many more families in Coldford all with their grudges and alliances. For more check out the Knock Knock series, free to read HERE.
Ambrose is from a well respected family who reside in the sixth floor of the luxurious Faulds building in Main. His family have been in service to the Penns for more than a century, dating back to the day of Marquis Olivier de Penn. His grandmother, also served as a lady in waiting in the Penn court.
Despite being raised as a gentleman and having the manners expected of him, Ambrose tends to stand out from his fellow Loyalists by having a more boorish demeanour. He is quick to temper and is not shy when things get tough.
He is known to take part in wrestling matches, having been on the professional scene for a while. Being a sporting sort he was paired with SIMON PENN as is often found by the side of the boxer.
Ambrose’s temper tends to get him into trouble. Finding himself in The Boss as a result of assault charges came as a stark warning to him.
Even as a young man, he was prickly. He even found himself on the wrong side of REGINALD PENN, receiving a terrible beating as a result.
Despite all that, Ambrose is dedicated to his family and his work. He’s one of the first to support those in need.
When his charge, Simon, comes under threat from an online troll, Ambrose’s loyalty is pushed to the limit.
A noble lady of late forties to fifties perhaps late fifties. She is stern seeming.
Servant (m or f):
A long-suffering member of the countess’ household. They are one of the countess’ confidantes.
Location
A hall in the countess’ castle.
Time
Takes place in an unknown time. It is a medieval looking setting, but with some modern styling.
SETTING: A hall in the countess’ castle.
AT RISE:COUNTESS is alone on stage. She is pacing nervously. She carries herself with a regal air. She appears anxious and frustrated. Eventually she is joined by SERVANT.
COUNTESS
Is it here yet?
SERVANT
It is Madame Countess.
COUNTESS
[keeping her back to the servant, gazing off in
contemplation.]
And what was it?
SERVANT
A girl, madame.
COUNTESS
[Smiling an unkind smile.]
You can tell the mother she is free to go. The child stays here though.
SERVANT
Madame, I’m afraid the mother died. She didn’t make it.
[COUNTESS smiles again. This time it seems like it is good news she is receiving.]
COUNTESS
Isn’t that fortunate for her.
SERVANT
About the girl, madame. Might I suggest finding a family for her? With the mother gone there is really no reason to keep her here. She has no place amongst us.
[COUNTESS finally turns to SERVANT]
COUNTESS
She has the perfect place here. That disgusting child will be forever a living, breathing reminder of my husband’s infidelity. His betrayal of our vows for some serving girl whore.
SERVANT
Even more reason to have her as far away from here as possible. Perhaps send her oversees?
COUNTESS
Absolutely not. She stays here with me. She will live and grow, but she will never leave. She will serve my household as her mother did and I will watch her closely.
SERVANT
The girl is innocent, madame. The count’s betrayal is nothing to do with she who has only just started to take breath.
As the ashes begin to settle and the city falls to rest,
My mind turns to the ways I still find myself blessed.
My father was a king. He was noble and he was strong,
But even noble men can be led to do wrong.
Sacrifice, he told me, was what it would take.
That is the first thought I have before every decision I make.
He gave his blood and he gave his life.
Soon to follow was his devoted wife.
My mother was a queen. She was doting and she was kind.
Her departure has left three grieving sons behind.
Sacrifice, he told me, even when it means all.
To protect the princes, the king may have to fall.
My brothers are princes. They mean the world to me.
When that world is a brutal one, which sacrifice should it be?
One prince is broken but he will always fight on.
The other is strong, but his fight is gone.
They have to be ready because this world sings a cruel song.
My duty is done and for me it’s too far gone.
She will come searching and She will have her taste.
Sacrifice, he told me, never let it be a waste.
There’s no turning back. The king has to fall.
A better world emerging from the ashes of it all.
Make that sacrifice and make it great,
Because I know what Hell lies in wait.
I see Her watching me. She never truly let me go.
I close my eyes and I feel Her walls close.
Wait! It’s too soon. There’s still much to do!
A sacrifice, he said, king, queen and princes too.
The blood is on my hands. Please just give me time.
I will make my sacrifice if you promise the kingdom will be fine.
The prince is strong. He will find that strength once more.
The broken prince will heal. I’ve seen him do it before.
I just beg you give me time. The sacrifice will be made.
Your walls are closing in but please just give me some space.
Already I feel the fires burn. I know that it is my turn.
I can’t leave them. Not just yet. I will make the sacrifice. I won’t forget.
It is a wicked world, and you are the most savage of all.
I beseech you to release me from your halls.
I will make that sacrifice. I won’t cause a fuss.
Even when that hear that final buzz, buzz, buzz.
Time is running out for King Marcus of Main. Murder charges are looming and the electric chair beckons. Now there is a virulent troll wreaking havoc, set to destroy all he is trying to secure before the inevitable.
Coldford is most definitely a shady city and even shadier are some of the ones who live there. If you’re planning on diving into the chronicles from our reporter, Sam Crusow, then prepare yourself with some of these handy tips on how to stay safe (at least somewhat safe).
Sam and Theresa check the invitation to the hottest spot in the Shady City.
1: Choose your faction carefully.
Each area of Coldford has it’s own faction ruling the streets. Each have their own set of rules and moral boundaries may vary.
Whether you are a regal loyalist of the kingdom of City Main or a Red from the Shanties, you need to choose your sides carefully. The noble bastards are always good to follow, but rarely do you surive.
2: Don’t piss off the Owens.
Speaking of choosing your loyalties carefully, The title of the most morally ambiguous group in Coldford probably lies in the hands of the Owens of Owen Inc.
They come from outside the city, bringing their brazen Great States attitude. The reason you don’t piss them off? Apart from the fact they will stoop to such low levels to win, they were all raised excellent sharp shooters. They say an Owen never misses.
3: Never drink the tea from Hathfield Bay.
The notorious island just off the coast of Coldford is home of the Church of St Wigan. On the island grows a psychodelic mushroom called heether that the islanders consume quite often. To the city dwellers? It can be incredibly dangerous.
4: Never trust a Stoker!
Never trust the carnie folks from Stoker Circus, not a single one!
They boast a hero among their ranks. Adrien Stoker helped save hundreds of lives during the war in the country of Levinkrantz. He was a true hero. However, the skills he utilised as an escape artist had been hoaned from housebreaking, pocket picking and evading the law.
The family who now run the circus are much the same. There may be twinges of conscience and maybe even a glimmer of empathy. When it all comes down to it they would rob their dead grandma. Which, incidentally is exactly how Hanz Stoker came up with the idea to set up a crime cleaning business when the circus was off season.
“Need that cleaned right up? No problem mucker.”
5: First impressions can be misleading.
There are occassions when you will meet an outright good guy in Coldford. If you do, hold onto them, because that is quite the rarity.
It can be difficult living amongst those shades so when you meet a murdering maniac, they may very well become the hero needed. There is also the chance that that sweet old grandma who seems so sweet may very well be the worst of all.
Key? Always expect the worst. It’s just safer that way!
Enjoy this? Check out these thrillers, set in Coldford.
Aunt Maggie was a sweet natured woman who took the children in as though they were her own but Duncan was a tough man to find common ground with. The opinionated and feisty Hugo especially struggled.
When they sat around the table it was up to Maggie to hold them in pleasant conversation. She liked the family atmosphere. The droughty Swantin townhouse they lived in was old and had dulled plenty over the years. Maggie enjoyed the children’s voices lending some festivity. Dinner was always on the table for Duncan returning from the boats. His pipe was filled and a glass of Macks whiskey ready to warm his innards. The children were cleaned and seated awaiting him to join them before they ate. On this particular afternoon, Alice was making one of her infrequent visits back home. She hadn’t brought her children with her and her husband was busy as always at the office.
Bayside lemon sole had been served on this day. It was fresh from their own family nets. When Duncan finally joined them he noticed Hugo was staring at his plate. He found the young boy difficult. Alice had learned to behave. She was a fine young woman. The two little ones were also agreeable. They mostly stuck to the ‘children should be seen and not heard’ rule of Duncan’s house. Hugo on the other hand had wrinkled his nose at his plate.
“What’s wrong with him now?” Duncan asked, expecting his wife to answer for the boy.
Aunt Maggie looked a little concerned. She didn’t want another argument to flare up between them.
“I have asked that I not be given fish,” Hugo told him. “I don’t like to eat fish. I’m vegan.”
“Do shut up,” Alice snapped at her brother, who had joined them on this day without her own family. “He’s vegan these days …” she added with a roll of her eyes.
“Vegan?” Duncan challenged.
“It means I don’t eat animals,” Hugo returned a little testily.
Heather and Fergie looked to each other but both turned back to their own plates to show they had no issue with the meal.
“It’s fish,” Duncan snarled at his nephew.
“A fish is a living thing,” Hugo said. “I don’t eat living things. I don’t eat animals or their products.”
Alice took her napkin and dropped it onto her lap impatiently.
“Stop being so bloody ungrateful,” she warned. “It’s lovely sole and Aunt Maggie has spent all afternoon preparing it. You’re being disrespectful.”
“If he doesn’t want …” Aunt Maggie tried to protest but her husband took control of the table.
“Are you, the son of a fisherman, refusing to eat fish?”
Alice was shaking her head, holding her fork and still waiting for Duncan to begin before she did.
“I’m saying, eating animals is murder.”
“Hugo!” Alice shrieked. “What has gotten into you?”
“I’ll tell you what has gotten into me, Alice,” Hugo became heated. “For a while now I’ve been saying I am vegan but no one bloody listens. I also refuse to have our father’s name used against me in my life choices. He may have been a fisherman but I’m not. Aunt Maggie, I apologise for any disrespect to you but I will not eat any animal.”
Duncan threw his chair back and stood.
“Come with me now,” he ordered the boy. “We’re going to have some words, pal.”
Hugo stood too, not quite the height of the uncle. The two made their way to the lawns at the rear of the house. Aunt Maggie nervously pulled the kitchen window closed.
Outside, Hugo stepped onto the patio but Duncan continued down the lawns towards the sheds. Hugo had been expecting them to have one of Duncan’s disciplinary discussions. Perhaps he would throw a fist or two. As he watched Duncan head to the sheds he followed after him quickly.
“No!” Hugo started to protest.
He must have found it.
Duncan unlocked the main shed and from within it he dragged a dog by the fur on the back of its neck. The dog was an old thing. It was a mixed breed. Hugo had kept it in the shed for a couple of weeks by then after it had wandered onto their lawns. Duncan would never have allowed it in the house. He firmly believed dogs were working animals.
“What is this!?” Duncan snapped.
“It’s a dog,” Hugo answered sharply. He was concerned but his anger seemed to cover that. “It’s old and tired. I was keeping him comfortable.”
The gardener must have found it.
“Keeping a filthy dog in my sheds!?” Duncan growled. He then threw a shovel to his nephew. “Put it down,” he ordered.
Hugo glared at him. The dog didn’t have much time left anyway. When he hesitated the uncle pushed the shovel into his chest.
“Take care of it. Put the damn thing down before it spreads diseases. You will stop all this animal nonsense or you will get out of my house.”
“I’d rather leave,” Hugo spat back.
Duncan pushed the shovel into his chest once more.
“You will learn your place, boy,” he warned.
Meanwhile, back in the dining room Aunt Maggie looked at the children with some trepidation. She didn’t want them to have to worry. She tried to keep things as calm as she could.
“Maybe we should just go ahead. They could be a while,” she said to them.
Alice cut into her sole. The two little ones watched her take a bite before they began too. They heard a shriek from outside and it sounded very much like Hugo.
It was Hugo. He was screaming. He swung the shovel at Duncan when the uncle kicked the dog. The dog was too weak to try and run away. It’s whimpers infuriated the nephew. Duncan – the old fisherman – was firm enough to dodge his nephew’s swung.
“You should be put down!” Hugo cried. “You have no compassion.”
Duncan threw him back.
“Stop your nonsense, pal or I will make you!”
CLANG!
“What if I put you down, huh? pal!”
CLANG!
Hugo had managed to hit the uncle. Duncan writhed a little. He tried to snatch the shovel back from his nephew’s hand but Hugo swung it and hit him again.
Inside the house the two younger siblings looked to each other again. They always did in times of stress and nothing stressed them more than hearing Hugo’s screaming.
“Would you like some more tatties?” asked Maggie of Fergie. “I know you always liked a little extra.”
Fergie was going to give a reply but he paused and shuddered amidst another cry.
“No thank you, Aunt Maggie,” the little boy replied politely.
Eventually the nephew returned from the gardens. Hugo had left the shovel behind. His brow knotted with fury. He used both hands to smooth back his hair, sharpening the widow’s peak hairline he had taken from their father.
Aunt Maggie, Alice and the children watched him with some wonder.
“Duncan and I have ironed out our differences. He has agreed to respect my decision not to consume animal products. I will also be keeping an old terrier dog in the sheds. He doesn’t have much longer to go so I’m keeping him comfortable and happy in his final days.”
Hugo took his seat at the table again. He pushed the plate of sole away. Aunt Maggie collected it and carried it over to the counter.
“In light of family spirit perhaps you will all join me in a vegan lifestyle. It’s healthy and above all it’s humane.”
“Hugo, darling,” Aunt Maggie pressed. “You loved sole when you were little.”
Hugo nodded.
“Things change, Aunt Maggie. Humans progress and we get a better idea of where we are. Perhaps the little ones would like to help me take care of the dog. He’s very friendly.”
Heather smiled despite it all. “Does it still walk?”
Hugo nodded. “He does. He can make it a little around the yards if you lead him slowly and gently.”
Alice thought of Uncle Duncan. There was an old dog that was going to have to be led gently from now on.
Hugo Webb is passionate about his causes. He is protective of his siblings. When both of them are threatened by an online troll he finds himself racing against the clock to uncover their true identity.
