Chapter 2.42 – Daughter

So this was ‘Chuck’.  Mother would’ve hated his name. She would have insisted on calling him ‘Charles’. But he was not posh enough to be a ‘Charles’. He’d tripped over the doormat as he’d entered and then said ‘fiddlesticks’, which made me laugh. Melinda says some funny words when she’s trying not to swear, butContinue reading “Chapter 2.42 – Daughter”

Chapter 2.41 – Digging It

The loop of yarn slithered off between the tips of her two needles and disappeared into the weave. April stared in despair at the uneven, gappy strip of knitting that it had taken her four hours to make. Four hours and it still looked more like a baggy, uneven lace than a cohesive fabric. NoContinue reading “Chapter 2.41 – Digging It”

Chapter 2.35 – Killer Heels

Disclaimer: one screenshot that, in context only, is very disturbing. Caleb looked between the two girls carefully before he replied, focusing entirely on April, his voice unusually cold, “Yes, I got a job. I start tomorrow at the flower shop. Perhaps not quite as interesting as a secret agent but it’ll certainly put food onContinue reading “Chapter 2.35 – Killer Heels”

Chapter 2.34 – Puppet

After taking yet another tiny, barely thirst-quenching drink from Danny, Melinda had tucked the poor boy up into the basement bed and retreated to the living room with April. Caleb had yet to return from his job interviews and Faith had been upstairs all day, obsessing over her outfit for her date with Seth theContinue reading “Chapter 2.34 – Puppet”

Chapter 2.31 – Cold Soup

Melinda was in the kitchen preparing soup when Seth left, looking a lot happier than he had the previous morning, Melinda noticed. Almost smug. He nodded at her again as he passed, although this time he wasn’t so keenly followed by Faith, who appeared a few minutes after he’d gone. “Everything OK?” Melinda asked asContinue reading “Chapter 2.31 – Cold Soup”

Chapter 2.29 – Nothing Illegal

“Well?” Faith asked as April hopped off the stairs and rounded the corner to the kitchen. “Did it work?” April rocked on her heels and nodded, smiling. “Yes, I managed to smudge some of the gloopy stuff from my wrist on the stick. It’s so much more gross-looking than it was when you guys hadContinue reading “Chapter 2.29 – Nothing Illegal”

Chapter 2.26 – Crash Helmets

Note: drug references, vulgar, contains painful levels of cringe Whatever had gone down with Seth certainly seemed to put Faith back in a better frame of mind; she and Melinda had had a heart-to-heart and been enjoying a game of cards when the door flung open and April rushed in, running straight upstairs. Caleb skulkedContinue reading “Chapter 2.26 – Crash Helmets”

Chapter 2.22 – To the Bone

Note: It’s pretty evident to most readers by now, but Lilith has a drink problem. Fiddlesticks. On his way to work at the observatory, Chuck had managed to reach the winding, dark country lanes of Windenburg before the car ground to a shuddering halt. This probably had something to do with the gravy boat lightContinue reading “Chapter 2.22 – To the Bone”

Chapter 2.20 – Oh No!

“Great! Still standing!” Caleb cheered, setting down his passengers. April landed gracefully and smoothed her clothing down elegantly, watching with disdain as Faith brazenly tugged her skirt into place, flashing her bottom as she did so, probably deliberately. April winced as she watched her friend jiggling her ample bosom back into her bra as ifContinue reading “Chapter 2.20 – Oh No!”

Chapter 2.19 – Dirt

As they walked past manicured lawns and sparkling fountains, Ralf tried not to grin. Jessica gazed at the building and asked him again, “Are you winding me up, Boss?” When Ralf had mentioned that he was paying a visit to the Wangshafts for his monthly catch-up, Jessica had begged to be allowed to come with.Continue reading “Chapter 2.19 – Dirt”