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Return to Harvest Hall. Chapter one (standard:horror, 1592 words) | |||
Author: Brian Cross | Added: Oct 17 2016 | Views/Reads: 2501/1638 | Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes) |
Chapter one, sequel to my novel, The Long Gallery. Daisy Truman sets out on a perilous journey to return stolen pension funds that were hidden away in the depths of Harvest Hall. | |||
Return to Harvest Hall Daisy Truman cast a glance around the inn, affording the odd nod of acknowledgement to those looking her way. Returning her gaze to Adam without a trace of humour, she said, ‘Nice, so many people turning out in my honour—albeit those I haven't seen in a month of Sundays.' Adam gave her a wry smile. ‘Unappreciative as ever.' ‘What's that supposed to mean?' Daisy's blue eyes flashed with indignation. ‘I'm not unappreciative—they're hangers on, anything for a free ...' ‘Nonetheless, there'll be those sorry to see you go, including me,' Adam remarked, taking a covert look at the gathering. Daisy's eyes lowered to her glass as she swirled the white wine. ‘Needs be, I've made a vow to return the pension funds people were defrauded of. Tracking them down will take time, and then there's the upkeep of the estate. All-in-all, there's no choice other than to quit.' Adam reached for her arm, saw her resentful glance but gently took it nonetheless, turning her to face him. ‘I don't like the idea of you chasing around the countryside on your own—there are going to be a lot of miffed people—not all will be appreciative of your efforts.' Daisy shrugged, her curly blonde hair tumbling around her shoulders. ‘So then, perhaps I'll need a sidekick.' Adam looked open-mouthed. ‘Are you saying you want me to quit this job and join you?' ‘Nothing of the sort. After all, you're the first in line for promotion.' Daisy drained her glass, placed it on a nearby table, swung away, arms folded as Adam gave a heavy sigh. ‘Oh, you're just as impossible as ever.' ‘And I'm just as pissed off with this gathering as I ever was. I'll say my goodbyes.' ‘If you're thinking of calling a cab, don't bother, I'll drive you home.' Daisy narrowed her eyes, ‘You've been drinking.' Raising his glass, Adam inspected it as though it were a specimen jar. ‘I've hardly had a pint all evening, and besides it's pisswat—‘ ‘Are you criticising my choice of venue?' Adam slapped his forehead, ‘For Ch— Daisy's lips curved into a smile. ‘It's okay, I accept your offer.' Tapping him on the arm, she added, ‘learn to know when I'm joking.' ‘An impossible task,' Adam muttered beneath his breath, brushing back his dark, wavy hair and watching Daisy do her rounds, all sweet smiles and kisses—except when it came to him. Why was she so close to his heart? Did she even realise it? And just what was Daisy getting at? If the truth were known, he'd jump at the chance to accompany her. But it was clear Daisy was on a mission. The job would need to go, and he'd need to fund himself, somehow, and she'd given him the impression his attendance wasn't necessary—as always. *** Adam took a quick glance at Daisy, her attractive oval face fixed straight ahead; she'd been quiet throughout their twenty-minute drive to Harvest Hall. Now, as its towers loomed in the distance, Adam turned to her— ‘Keep your eyes on the road.' Resisting a howl of frustration, ‘I was merely going to ask when you intended embarking on this crusade of yours.' Click here to read the rest of this story (146 more lines)
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Brian Cross has 33 active stories on this site. Profile for Brian Cross, incl. all stories Email: briancroff@yahoo.co.uk |