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
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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.
Throughout the Shady City you will find many brands and stores crying for your attention. Whilst the place seems stuck in the past, held in the age of recession the future is still trying to push through. Here are some of the notable websites and brands you should be aware of, as well as the dark stories that lie underneath them.
COBY GAMES INC
Located in the Motherboard, in the Cardyne area of the city, Coby Games is the tech hub of Coldford City. Produced there are the latest in video games, movies as well as cutting edge technology. If you have the latest phone or device, you can rest assured Coby Games is behind it.
Like all things in Coldford there is a dark history to this.
Coby Games CEO, Joshua found himself entangled in what became known as the FREEFALL massacre, where 59 rich and elite in city were drugged and thrown from the top of BECKINGRIDGE TOWER.
Josh, thankfully managed to escape with his life. The harrowing incident remained with him though and he could never shake the fact he was could have been number sixty.
HANGOUT
If you want to connect with people in the city then you had better get yourself on the HANGOUT app. it’s a fast and easy way to share pics and updates with friends and family as well as connecting you with thousands of interest pages.
When it was created by a developer named Iris Korillo, there was huge hope for it being able to bring people together.
It didn’t take long before the easy access to people’s lives was used for a more sinister purpose.
The platform became used for blackmail, extortion, petty squabbles and cyber bullying which led a famed actress to commit suicide on live stream.
To this day the app is still one of the most popular and has millions of users, leaving Iris and her team to keep a watchful eye for anyone using it with malicious intent.
LONESOME NIGHTS
One of the most popular video games in Coldford is Lonesome Nights. In a world where kidnapping, murder and sleazy affairs are a slow news day, in the world of Lonesome Nights you are given the opportunity to be the worst criminal you can be.
Since it is popular, the video game has come under intense scrutiny given it’s easy availability to those under eighteen. It has been blamed for a rise in school shootings as well as an increase in violence amongst youngsters. Is a video game to blame, or is the reality of the Shady City so harsh, it makes the LN drug busts look like fun …
The online world can be a place for the most foul creatures to hide. When an online troll calling themselves PINDROP25 threatens to ruin lives, the pressure is on to reveal their true identity.
Russell is from the poor end of town. Raised in the infamous Kirkton flats in the Shanties, he has had the typical experience of those from that area.
Russell is a kindly natured young man. His down to earth attitude and his honesty sees him welcomed among all kinds, even royals!
He rarely sees his mother who was a drug addict and unable to take responsibility for him. He doesn’t know who his father was and it’s likely his mother has no idea either.
Unlike the others from his area Russell refuses to believe that is his lot in life. He knows education is key to escaping the poverty trap. He will prove those who scoffed at the idea of bettering himself, wrong. He is already one step closer to that with his acceptance into Filton University.
They say those from the Shanties carry the stench of depravity with them and no matter what circles they start rolling in, it will never be shaken off. When Russell is approached to hold drugs, his escape from the lifestyle might not come so easily.
When a mysterious online stranger threatens to expose Russell for issues with his past, putting his whole future in jeopardy, he needs to decide where his loyalties truly lie.
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.
Nasir lived a quiet life. Originally from the country of Kuberstan, he was raised in Coldford City by his mother, Nareema with his little sister Malala.
All was well for Nasir until a war broke out in his homeland causing a surge of immigrants to reach Coldford shores. This caused racial tension to rise. Nasir and his family found themselves subject to racial abuse. This only got worse after a string of terror attacks attributed to rebels arriving from the east.
Nasir is soft natured. He is well educated, polite and kind. He hopes to use his learning as a way of teaching others and combating political issues with discuss. However. as the terror attacks get worse and his family’s life become threatened how easy will it be to continue discussing?
With racial hate at an all time high an online troll stirs the boiling pot. When Nasir and his family’s home is attacked, the online hatred becomes too real.
