Copyright
Copyright © 2016 by Mark Lee Ryan
Cover and internal design © Mark Lee Ryan
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems – except in the case of brief quotations in articles or reviews – without the permission in writing from its publisher, Mark Lee Ryan.
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Table of Contents
Preface
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
About The Author
Preface
Jeremy Patten discovers that he has a very unusual and unique skill. When Jeremy falls asleep he enters a world, a dream world where those around him are like him – asleep, but the stark difference is that Jeremy is conscious of the world he enters and unlike everyone else is able to bring realism to the dream world he has entered.
When Jeremy enters a dream he is able to play out whatever role he wants almost as if he is carrying out his day time life by two; one life by day and one at night, where in the latter, his body and mind transcends to a new world. Once Jeremy understands the power he possesses, he in turn learns to manipulate his powers to bring justice and correction in people’s life.
In real life Jeremy Patten is fascinated with Tara Shield a pretty brunette who is two years younger than Jeremy and works as a cashier at a local Department Store near where Jeremy works as a Lawyer in large Legal firm, Carter Gibson. Tara doesn’t really even know that Jeremy exists, but Jeremy’s fascination with Tara is taken to a new level when by night he becomes her friend, and by day he slowly forges a stronger relationship as the story unfolds with a very unique twist.
Chapter 1
‘Can I join you for a coffee?’ Jeremy Patten politely asks Mrs. Nancy Dooley. The eighty six year old lady looks up, smiles and replies in a softly spoken voice ‘Certainly’, nods at Jeremy and watches as he sits next to her carefully placing his coffee cup and saucer on the table. Jeremy had occasionally shared pleasantries with Nancy but never before had they sat and talked. It seemed weird the Old Coffee Stop was never this quiet and Jeremy looks around noticing that the pair essentially have the shop to themselves, providing even more reason for Jeremy to comfort the old lady.
Jeremy has a heightened sense today and places his little finger in his ear and shakes the eardrum trying to numb the ringing of what seems like voices in his head. He dismisses it and focuses on Nancy and enquires how she is. ‘So tell me Mrs. Dooley, how have you been lately? It seems ages since I have seen you.’ Although as he speaks Jeremy knows that he runs into Mrs. Dooley at least weekly sometimes more as they are both regulars at the Old Coffee Stop, a coffee shop not far from where Jeremy works as a lawyer and similarly only walking distance for Mrs. Dooley who lives in an apartment on her own just around the corner. ‘I have been OK, health wise’, Nancy replies, ‘but it does get lonely and I do pine for the company of my son and granddaughter.’ Jeremy is taken back, ‘Oh I didn’t know’ Jeremy offers, trying to be both sorry but also surprised, as he had never spoken more than half a dozen words to Nancy and really didn’t know that much about her. Stumbling his words Jeremy asks ‘Well have you tried to make contact Mrs. Dooley, I mean do you know where they both are?’ ‘Oh yes’, Nancy quickly replies. ‘Well I know where my son is, he lives here in Chicago, although I haven’t seen him in years and he doesn’t want to see me. And my granddaughter well NO, I don’t know where she lives and I don’t even know her name.’ The old woman looks ahead, her eyes glaze and she looks through Jeremy for just a moment as she reflects upon what she has just said.
Jeremy again unwittingly places his small finger in his ear and shakes it to numb the ringing of voices that seem to invade his head. He reflects for a moment and is surprised at the conversation he is hearing from Mrs. Dooley. She is clearly getting a lot of feelings out in the open and Jeremy is flattered that she shares with him her closest secrets, which until now he had no idea of. She seems emotional and clearly there is some anger that the old lady has deep within, and that emotion has been stirred but also surprisingly volunteered. Just as Mrs. Dooley places a lighter bit of spin on things, declaring that her pet canary is her closest friend, the pair turn and smile at the incoming Tara Shield. Tara looks lovely as ever with her stunning long brunette hair, and as always is immaculately dressed, something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by Jeremy every time he sees her. Tara is wearing a tight black skirt, white top, high heels and has a beaming smile as she enters the coffee shop.
Jeremy often exchanges smiles with Tara, knows that she is a cashier at local Waterman’s Downtown store, but sadly fears that she even knows who he is. Tara too is a regular customer at the Old Coffee Stop although she has not been a regular as long as Jeremy or Mrs. Dooley. Tara grabs her take away coffee smiles at Jeremy and Mrs. Dooley as she leaves and heads down the street. Jeremy watches out the window until Tara is almost out of view and quickly says goodbye to Mrs. Dooley and heads out the door seeing Tara some short distance ahead.
Jeremy doesn’t really know why he is following Tara although deep down there is an infatuation and he simply has a desire to see her walk back to work. Then suddenly Jeremy is distracted. ‘Jeremy…..Jeremy’ he hears his name yelled loudly from over the road. It’s Matthew Warren, Jeremy’s boss and he is excitedly crossing the road and heads towards him. Jeremy turns to take one more glimpse of Tara and can’t believe that she has vanished. Vanished, almost into thin air! He stops and stares down the road in disbelief. Where did she go? He can’t believe it, there are no side alleys or laneways and yet Tara clearly is not in sight. As he fixates on the road she travelled, Matthew is now standing next to him and shakes his arm to get Jeremy’s attention. ‘What’s wrong Jeremy? You look as though you have seen a ghost’, Matthew laughs as he says it.
‘No, it’s OK’ adds Jeremy. ‘Anyway how are you?’ he asks. ‘Well you see me every day so I suppose you would know if I wasn’t OK’ Matthew again laughs as he finishes his sentence. ‘Jeremy, walk with me. My apartment is just down the road and it’s been a while since we have caught up for a decent chat’, Matthew adds. As the two men walk Jeremy ponders for a moment and thinks to himself that he has never been to Matthew’s apartment. In fact whilst the two get on okay at work and Jeremy respects Matthew as his boss, apart from a working relationship the two rarely catch up and have never had a decent chat. The pair exchange pleasantries and idle banter about nothing as they slowly walk to Matthew’s apartment.
Once inside Jeremy’s eyes dart around the small interior and sitting room, taking in the nick knacks that adorn the room, and admiring the large screen television mounted on the wall whilst Matthew makes coffee. Matthew is aged thirty five and is ten years older than Jeremy, but the pair get on well so age has never seemed important. Jeremy looks around admiring the furniture and equipment that adorn the small but neat apartment. He doesn’t really want another coffee but Matthew insists and so he sits patiently while his boss makes coffee in the kitchen area just off from the sitting room. ‘You know Jeremy I haven’t really shared with anyone before, but being a Manager within a reasonable sized firm can be frustrating you know’, Matthew pipes up as he finishes pouring the cups and yelling loud enough for Jeremy t
o hear. As he walks in and places the coffee on the small table in the sitting room Jeremy feels obliged to answer and politely adds ‘Well…er, NO I didn’t really know that.’ Jeremy feels he has to politely offer some words of encouragement albeit that he doesn’t really know what Matthew’s career aspirations are.
Carter Gibson lawyers is an old and established firm, and although Jeremy has been employed straight from University and has been working as a lawyer for some two years he is still pretty junior in what is a relatively large firm. Matthew his boss has always been pleasant but is to a large degree guarded about his career aspirations, so Jeremy is finding this sudden meet in the street, sit down and chat thing a significant change to the relationship they enjoy. Jeremy enjoys the atmosphere at Carter Gibson but there is a clear distinction between Partners, Senior Partners, Managers and the rest that includes Jeremy, the law clerks and office staff. Jeremy is happy to find his feet within the firm so he doesn’t really concern himself greatly about promotion at this point. As Matthew sits in front of Jeremy, he notices a different side to his boss. He notices that Matthew is very anxious, very agitated. ‘You know Jeremy there are times when I really wonder what I have to do to be noticed, what I have to do to be invited to take that next step. Do you know what I am saying?’ Jeremy could do little more than nod and be seen to be there for his boss, he thinks. It is difficult for him to offer an opinion so Jeremy decides that he would nod, smile and offer encouragement and support.
‘I feel that the only way I can be noticed is to be involved in a big case. You know it’s all about money Jeremy, all about the dollars that come in. That seems to be the only way that you get noticed. That seems to be how the world works these days, doesn’t it?’ Matthew adds. Jeremy maintains his position of support by nodding, smiling and appearing to be interested in everything that Matthew has to say. ‘You know that dickhead Brian Topping. I mean what an absolute Wally he is. He told me two years ago that it was just a matter of time and I would be welcomed as a partner and that was fucken two years ago. Two years ago and still no change!’ Jeremy again just smiles; he really doesn’t want to add any commentary or opinion where it relates to a Senior Partner, and certainly not anything about Brian Topping who is almost as senior as anyone that Jeremy could think of.
There was little that Jeremy could add and he waited an opportunity to excuse himself so that he could head home. Matthew had calmed down seemingly getting all of his emotional baggage off his chest. Now just staring around the room, Jeremy adds, ‘Well I best be off.’ No sooner had he spoken and he is heading out the door with a pat on the back and big thank you from Matthew for hearing him out. Jeremy politely nods and walks down the street meandering and not really knowing where or why he is heading in the direction he is. He again unwittingly places his small finger in his ear and thrashes it around for a brief moment.
Chapter 2
Before heading to the Old Coffee Stop for his first coffee of the day, Jeremy walks to the local deli on the opposite side of the road to purchase a newspaper. Much like the Old Coffee Stop, the Corner Store is a regular haunt and Jeremy has known the owners James and Julie Walter for the two years he has been employed with Carter Gibson. ‘Good morning James’, he shouts as he waves in his direction. James walks towards the counter and greets Jeremy with a big smile and proceeds to take his payment for the newspaper. In light conversation Jeremy adds, ‘Sorry to hear about your daughter separating from her husband James that really is bad news.’ Jeremy looks into James eyes and can see the rage building. ‘How on earth do YOU know about that?’ James adds. Jeremy is taken aback but simply adds ‘Weren’t we talking about that only yesterday?’ James tries to remain calm but is still angered, ‘My wife and I don’t talk about family matters to anyone. No one, so how do YOU know?’ he again asks.
Jeremy apologises to James and feeling a little put out that he had offended his friend he apologises, bids James farewell and crosses the road toward the Old Coffee Stop. Jeremy is in disbelief clearly recollecting the conversation he shared with James, and slowly trudges to the coffee shop. Sitting quietly inside the doorway Mrs. Nancy Dooley is sipping on her coffee. Jeremy nods and smiles. ‘Good morning Mrs. Dooley.’ Nancy smiles back and Jeremy proceeds to the counter to order his coffee to take back to the office. Jeremy has a busy morning lined up and with a staff meeting as well, knows that he can’t spend any time to sit and talk with Mrs. Dooley, albeit he enjoyed their recent chat and opportunity to get to know her.
With his coffee in hand Jeremy thought that he would politely acknowledge Mrs. Dooley and leans over her chair and adds, ‘It was lovely to chat yesterday and get to know you Mrs. Dooley.’ The old lady is taken back and with a puzzled look says to Jeremy ‘Chat yesterday? What do you mean?’ She pauses for a moment and then adds ‘I have been away for a few days visiting my sister, so I think you must be mistaken’, she smiles, takes another sip of her coffee and politely turns.
Jeremy walks out of the coffee shop shaking his head and reflects upon his morning and the unusual events and conversations with James, and now Mrs. Dooley. He walks the street slowly rehashing the conversations with both friends. How was it that what was so crystal clear to him was so incomprehensible to them? It simply doesn’t make sense. Jeremy is in disbelief and tries to convince himself that he is not losing his mind.
Settling into the office Jeremy goes over his diary for the day. He knows it will be a long day and starts preparing for his first two meetings, and a staff meeting that is scheduled just after lunch. Staff meetings are held every Tuesday in the early afternoon and Matthew his boss would generally go over work in progress, processes and administration and the junior lawyers, law clerks and general office staff are normally all present.
As Jeremy is about to meet his first client, he looks over and spies his good friend Caroline James-Smith staring at Troy Matthews. Jeremy laughs to himself as he looks over at her. Caroline is a Support Officer and is infatuated with Troy but too shy to let her feelings known. Jeremy sighs and shakes his head, thinking that it was high time the two got together because Troy like Caroline is fascinated with her. It’s the worst kept secret in the office and Jeremy thinks that it is time the pair shared their feelings. Caroline and Jeremy enjoy a good working relationship and have even joined with the other office staff occasionally for drinks.
After two lengthy meetings in the morning, and with no time for lunch, Jeremy takes his notes and files into the staff meeting. He is looking forward to listening to his boss Matthew and is curious whether the chemistry may have changed following their lengthy chat over coffee the day before. There is barely any eye contact between the pair during the meeting, but Jeremy shrugs that off thinking that Matthew is just leaving personal matters at home, and playing his managerial role at work. After the meeting concludes and with staff filing out the conference room Jeremy seizes the opportunity to talk to Matthew. ‘Enjoyed the coffee chat yesterday Boss’, Jeremy offers. Matthew smiles and looks up, ‘Huh, what do you mean?’ still smiling but clearly perplexed. ‘Our chat in your apartment, don’t you remember?’ adds Jeremy. ‘Huh? Sorry Jeremy but what are you saying my dear friend; I don’t recall you’ve ever been to my place have you?’ Matthew is still smiling, miffed by the conversation but still smiling and looks at Jeremy waiting his explanation. Jeremy says nothing, smiles turns and walks out of the conference room ever so slowly leaving Matthew behind.
Jeremy finds solace in a small office just off from the general work area, closes the door and stares into space. He sits silently for several minutes and then mutters…….Oh my GOD. He repeats it three times – Oh my GOD…… Oh my GOD, and then reflects upon the day and the weird events. Jeremy sits silently but his mind is working overtime replaying what had transpired and how HE could recollect conversations and intimate details, yet neither James Walter the Deli Owner, Mrs. Dooley or his boss Matthew Warren had even a vague recollection of discussions that they shared. Jeremy sits in the office for over thirty min
utes. The realisation of his power slowly sinks in. It was the only explanation, the only logical reason that people had imparted their inner feelings and shared them with him. Jeremy realises, rationalises that when asleep he enters a world, a dream world. He ponders at what he had just rationalised. I’m conscious and they are NOT! Wow.
It was a long day and the afternoon is far from productive. Jeremy spends most of the afternoon alone and keeps to himself rationalising what he had discovered and going over and over events, before he heads home. He walks home still replaying his day in his head. He reheats a chicken and pasta meal left over from the night before and sits alone in his apartment, occasionally getting up and looking out his window that overlooks the busy street below. He decides that he needs to rest and once in bed turns back the covers and slowly shuffles underneath. It was the middle of July and the weather is still relatively warm so Jeremy props himself up and continues to ponder the day. His mind drifts though and thoughts of Tara Shield provide a pleasant distraction from the rather exciting revelation of the day. As he smiles and fantasises about Tara his eyes start to close, but he forces himself to remain awake. Tara is his focus, and he fantasises about meeting, chatting, sharing a coffee. He fights back sleep but he can’t help but smile thinking of her. Then fighting sleep deprivation no more he drifts off.
Chapter 3
Jeremy slowly walks toward the Old Coffee Stop and as he opens the door sitting quietly on her own with a welcoming smile is Tara Shield. Jeremy smiles back. ‘Join me for a coffee Jeremy?’ Tara quips. ‘Sure’, Jeremy adds. Jeremy can’t but help smile at Tara, as he realises for the first time that his body and mind has transcended into a world that perhaps no other can access. As he ponders the world he is in, he realises too that his thoughts have summoned Tara and now his fantasy has become part of her dream.
After Dark: The Story Begins (Science Fiction Anthologies Book 1) Page 1