by Richard Long
“My room? What are you prattling on about? Whose house is this? How did I get here?” I demanded, really feeling my oats now.
“This is your house,” he said, utterly terrified. “I am your servant, Jacob.”
My house. My fucking servant! I thought he was crazy at first, but somehow I knew he was telling the truth. I was feeling a little shook up myself, but I nodded and walked back up the stairs. Five floors. It was so easy. I felt so good. So strong.
So here I am, back in the bedroom. Writing. Why? Who knows? But as soon as I put pen to paper (nice pen, by the way), I have to say it felt really good, like it was my job or something. Anyway, that’s my day so far. I’m getting hungry now. I think I’ll have another talk with Jacob. Grab a sandwich. On the way down, I guess I’ll poke around a little. I noticed an open door on the third floor. A library.
Good. I’m getting bored with this shit. Maybe I can find something to read.
Richard Long is the author of The Book of Paul and the forthcoming young-adult fantasy series The Dream Palace. He lives in Manhattan with his wonderful wife, two amazing children and wicked black cat, Merlin.
The Book of Paul is the first of seven volumes in a sweeping mythological narrative tracing the mystical connections between Hermes Trismegistus in ancient Egypt, Sophia, the female counterpart of Christ, and the Celtic druids of Clan Kelly.
Coming Soon in The Clan Kelly Chronicles:
THE BOOK OF DRUIDS
THE BONE KING
http://www.thebookofpaul.com
Praise
Title
Copyright
Acknowledgements
Dedication
Exercises
Pretty
Monsters
Laundry Day
Ding-dong
The Good Stuff
Preparations
Into the Softness
Narrator Intrusion
The Book
The Collector
The Afterglow, Part I
The Afterglow, Part II
The House of Pain
An Invitation
Rose Goes Shopping
Martin Goes to Hell
Momma
The Thing About Rats
First Kill
Stigmata
The Switch
Storyteller
Storm Comin’
Norine
Mrs. Morgy
Objections
Bye-bye
Surprise!
Sob Story
The Web
The Scream
Freedom
Knock, Knock
Lucky Charm
Once More into the Breach
The Spider and the Fly
Two Places at Once
Premonition
Home
Shock
Self-made Man
The Wood Made Flesh
The Secret of Being A Tough Guy
Martin Takes a Left
Rose Takes a Right
My Suitcase
Supper
Postscript
Voyeur
Release the Hounds!
Almost Home
Helpless
Decisions, Decisions
Street Fight
Just One Kiss
Captain Hook
One-way Conversation
Oblivious
Hitting the Brakes
Turning Point
Sidetracked
Referral
Journal Entry: The Striker
Up the Stairs
Humpty Dumpty
Spunk
Journal Entry: My Patron
The End of the Hall
Closet Space
Clearing the Air
A King’s Ransom
Eavesdropper
The Omen
Journal Entry: The Dead End
Welcome to the Club
O’pen Sesame
Diversion
The Mirror
On the Roof
Action
Lonely Guy
TAXI!!!!
Chase Scene
Journal Entry: House Call
Closing Time
Love Nest
Black Heart
White Knight
Abracadabra
Puppeteer
Pseudonym
Wake-up Call
He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
Journal Entry: The Chapel
The Elephant in the Hotel Room
Saint Patrick’s
Vigil
Don’t Make Big Decisions on an Empty Stomach
Old
Abandonment Issues
Instant Replay
The Prisoner
Sacrifice
Tools of the Trade
Too Late
The Safe Word
Journal Entry: Dust
Torture
Martin to the Rescue
Mistaken Intentions
Confession
The Voice
Correction
Journal Entry: The Books of Revelation
Getting Nailed
Armed and Dangerous
Nothing
Once Upon a Time…
Misfire
Gumption
Martin Goes Inside
The Witness
Visionary
All Gone
Blind Man’s Bluff
Journal Entry: The Angel
Collateral
Showdown
Quantum Leap
The Not-So-OK Corral
Creep Show
Judas
Playing Possum
Out of the Frying Pan…Into the Fire
Paul’s Gift
Hero
Mr. Hyde
Journal Entry: Damned
Catch
Captive Audience
3:15:00
Disappearing Acts
The Library
Journal Entry: Clan Kelly
The Locked Door
Clash of the Titans
Up and Down
Togetherness
Horror
Duet
Martin Remembers
Deal with the Devil
Reunion
Queen to King’s Knight
Checkmate
Last Words
The Maelstrom
The King is Dead! Long Live the King!
Farewell
Key to the Kingdom
Clean-up Crew
Joy Ride
Two Minute Warning
The Book of Paul
Happy Ending
Journal Entry: Home Sweet Home
About Richard Long