“Hope.” Jade said. “She’s your granddaughter.”
The Professor looked thoughtful. “Aye, it’s possible,” he said finally. He shook his head. “It was a long time ago. Her grandmother’s name was Serena, lovely girl, never told me she was carrying my child. I wished she had. Hope told me her mother’s name was Leila.” He sighed. “Fancy,” he went on, “I had a daughter named Leila and I never knew. I heard she died in a car accident several years later. Hope, the poor little mite, must have been with her. I’m a granddad.” He finished and sat back looking pleased.
“She helped us,” Jade told him. “I think because she wanted to meet you.” She looked at him curiously. “Aren’t you shocked, I mean, she’s a ghost.”
“No, she a guardian angel, there’s a difference.” The Professor smiled. “Funny, I never used to believe in ghosts, spirits, stubborn old fool that I am, still, I know better now.”
Brett felt surprised. He’d somehow thought the Professor wouldn’t be so open minded. His theory that the earth was flat had been measured in a very specific scientific way, nothing supernatural about it, not a hint that it was anything other than an anomaly waiting to be discovered.
“We’ve missed the Karaoke,” Cassie said suddenly and Jade laughed. “What’s funny?”
“Only you,” Jade said and laughed again.
“I’m retiring, you know, Brett.” Professor Bunting said, “I’ve run out of time. I don’t think I’m ever going to prove my belief that the earth is flat.” Brett was frowning and the Professor thought the young man seemed somehow older, wiser, and the other three were quiet, reflective. Henry wondered briefly what had happened to them since the storm. He thought it might change the way they viewed the world which could only be good thing. Mankind’s finest quality, in his opinion, was curiosity.
“Look,” Cassie pointed, “I can see the Bay.” An enormous sense of relief washed over her.
“Thank God,” Jade said.
“I feel like I haven’t eaten for days,” Robbie muttered, cramming another sandwich into his mouth. “Jade, I’ve got something for you, a birthday present; it’s in my sock drawer in the hotel. I had to think long and hard what to get you.”
“I know,” she said. “And I’ve got something for you, A proposal,” she grinned. “Will you marry me?”
Robbie put his sandwich down. “Well, I don’t have to think long and hard about that! Of course I will.” he grinned and kissed her.
Brett was focused on the Professor, “Don’t give up, Professor Bunting,” he said. “I think the proof you’re looking for is on Sandy Island.” He paused. “It never ends, you see. There’s nowhere for it to go, so it just stops for a while then moves on. I don’t think it really disappears, it’s like it’s inside a bubble but instead of turning and spinning round it somehow moves sideways, you just can’t see it.” He laughed, “I’m not explaining very well, am I?”
“Yes, go on,” the Professor encouraged.
“I thought it was impossible for something to just end, but Sandy Island does. It’s something to do with the Challis of Truth I think. It’s always there protecting the Island. There could be thousands of similar islands all around the world putting a barrier up so no one can see where the world ends. There’s so much I don’t know, I’m going home to study it, I need to find out.”
Professor Bunting stood up. He smiled down at Brett, “I need to guide the Ark of Hope into the Bay, we’ll talk later.”
The boat bumped gently on the shore and the Professor waited until the four young people embarked.
“You’re not coming with us?” Jade asked.
“No, you go ahead, I’m sure you’ve got a lot of catching up to do.”
“Thank you,” Brett said as the Professor handed him a thick folder, “I’ll take good care of it.” He shook Henry’s hand.
They were halfway across the Bay when Brett stopped and turned to wave. “That’s odd,” he said frowning, “The Professor’s gone already.”
Jade looked back and there was no sign of the Ark of Hope. She shrugged. “Come on,” she said, “we have a holiday to enjoy.”
Henry watched them walk off and felt someone tug his arm. He looked down and smiled at Hope.
“It’s time, Poppy,” she whispered.
“I know.” The Professor smiled at his granddaughter. He watched as Brett turned around and waved, clutching the folder with Henry’s life work in his hand.
And as Professor Bunting took Hope’s hand in his he knew he’d found his soul mate, someone to carry on his legacy to the world.
Smiling, he rang the bell for the last time.
THE END
About the Author
Author Roger David Francis from North Wales had always been fascinated by the supernatural. Whilst researching his great love the infamous Loch Ness monster, Roger discovered Teggie another sea creature, and thus the story begins and Roger wrote his first horror book.
Having grown up in the Midlands, Roger's childhood was dominated by Sci Fi and Fantasy. Stories of haunted houses and mystical monsters inspired Roger to begin writing and put his talents on paper.
He supports several local animal charities and regularly sends donations to help with the upkeep of abandoned donkeys and horses.
Over the years, Roger has worked as a radio presenter and even done some live theatre.
Roger current interests include working with Independent Local Film makers to make fun, exciting and entertaining films.
Contact the Author
Roger David Francis Website Page
http://www.rogerdavidfrancis.co.uk
The Teggie Website Page
www.teggie.net
The Teggie Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/Teggiemovie
Averill Lodge Publishing Twitter Page
https://twitter.com/Averill_Lodge
Averill Lodge Publishing Website Page
https://www.averilllodgepublishing.co.uk
The Teggie Twitter Page
https://twitter.com/teggie_film
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
About the Author
Contact the Author
Ark Of Hope: Beyond The Dark Horizon Page 25