The Night-Watchman

By D Reeder

There is a tradition in England at Christmastime of people gathering by a fire late at night, long after all the children are safely tucked up in bed and then telling a ghost story.

This is such a story to be read aloud to such a gathering and savoured by such a gathering especially if it is cold outside and there is snow in the air...

• Language: English
• Publisher: D Reeder
• Release date: Apr 24, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476317847

D Reeder

I am a writer living in the heart of England with a fascination for stories which slide between realities. References to ancient pagan mysteries pre-dating Christianity can often be found within my 'Tales of the Supernatural' where out of the everyday ordinary world come extraordinary stories.

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'The Night-Watchman'

D Reeder

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2012 D Reeder

‘The Night-Watchman' is a Tale of the Supernatural

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The Night-Watchman

It was on such a night as this: cold, and with snow in the air, that Eric Jones prepared to leave for his temporary job as a night-watchman for Daniels’ Haulage Company.

Jill! he complained, as his wife readjusted his scarf.

He was only going to be away for a night, but she had fussed over him as if he was a boy about to embark upon his first day at school.

Do you have to go? she asked.

It’s because of Christmas. You know.

She did. Being childless she understood more than most. She knew how people wanted to be with their families at Christmastime, and how over the years their small unit, just herself and Eric, had never ever counted. For even when he’d worked for the police Eric had always been on duty over Christmas, and for years she’d eaten her turkey roast alone in the company of dwindling maiden aunts.

When Eric retired from the police force last year she’d hoped that this would change; but then Daniels had rung.

Daniels!

She knew how persuasive he could be.

He was younger than Eric by ten years but had risen quickly through the ranks, leaving Eric far behind. Daniels had a certain charm, which she, to her shame, had once found irresistible.

She desperately hoped Eric did not know, but sometimes when he looked at her, she wondered.

So will you be all right?

This was her penance. This constant concern for him; and since he’d retired she was also troubled by his slowness of thought and how his hands sometimes shook.

I’ve packed this for you.

Good God, woman! Eric exclaimed feeling the weight of the backpack.

"It’s