by Daniel James
“Shit.” Isaac slapped his palm on the Audi’s roof, then decided to check the van on the off chance that fortune was smiling upon them. It wasn’t. They must have exhausted their quotient of fortune by pulling through this ordeal with their skins intact.
They both heard the sounds of an approaching vehicle, the headlights glowing as it rounded a bend in the lane. It was hard to discern these new arrivals in the deep shades of early morning navy blue, so they both ducked behind the van, bone tired, unarmed and unprepared for reinforcements or whatever other fresh hell was arriving on the scene. The Audi slowed to a dying stop. It looked like it had been used for ballistics testing, but Roach almost left the ground in excitement when he saw Grace climb out of the driver’s seat and help Diane, Peter and Vicky out of the back. He called out to them and lumbered over, almost scaring Grace into shooting him where he stood.
Isaac stayed behind by the van, the volume of their reunion dialled down by distance and the first of the early morning birds waking up with joyous chirps. He watched Roach hug Diane and the kids, their past familial difficulties forgotten for the moment, and imagined how it might have been to have Maggie and Will waiting for him at home. He would never know that comfort again, but at least he could carry their memories. They would always be a family in the quiet vignettes of his daily thoughts. Listening to the birdsong, he allowed himself to believe that a LeConte or two were singing exuberantly in that early pre-dawn choir. Swallowing a bitter lump, he smiled at Roach’s happiness, and remembered that he still had some family left after all.
About the Author
Daniel James is an English author (not his fault, and he voted Remain) from Liverpool. A lifelong geek, he was raised on a diet of horror novels, action and martial arts movies, comic books, and punk and heavy metal music. It was during his dissertation year at Liverpool Hope University that he decided, for no discernible reason, to have a crack at writing a novel. Since earning his Bachelors of Science in Health, Nutrition & Fitness, he has been steadily putting in hours at the keyboard. Having dabbled in kickboxing and bass playing in bands in the past, it was getting his ideas down on paper that really took hold as a passionate outlet and hobby. When not writing, he has the great misfortune of working as a hackney taxi driver.
About the Publisher
This book is published on behalf of the author by the Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency.
https://ethanellenberg.com
Email: [email protected]