Six Fright-Mares

By Jackie Williams

Six disturbing creepy stories. Written to keep you awake until dawn.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jackie Williams
• Release date: Sep 10, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301434107

Jackie Williams

My parents brought me up with a huge love of reading. Bedtime stories were a treasured time of adventure and mystery. Romances were the fuel for many a teenage fantasy and my passion still lingers for deliciously smouldering heroes.My daughter persuaded me to write my first book. She wanted one with all the exact ingredients just for her. She loved the tale so much that I published A Perfect Summer. Writing has turned into a grand passion. I couldn't stop at just one book and so I began another. Fifteen books later, I am still full of ideas. Historical romance is now my favourite genre. All those fabulously titled and passionate men are impossibly hard to resist. 

Book preview

Six Fright-Mares

By Jackie G Williams

Copyright 2012 Jackie G Williams

Smashwords Edition

~~~*~~~

Outcasts

Jack threw a child's shoe into the dying flames, then slumped down into the last remaining armchair. His wife and three young children, were asleep on a mattress close to the warmth. It was late October, the snows had come early. Shivering, he listened to the howling wind and watched the curtains flutter as snow inched its way inside through gaps and cracks. For now the small fire heated the room, but by morning they would freeze once more. Jack hated to see his children crying from hunger and cold, his heart broke each time. He leaned closer to the dying embers, looking at shapes in the red and orange glow. Trying to figure out what had happened to life. He looked over at his family, shivering in their sleep, how the hell did it come to this? An anger welled up within him. He felt pain for his loved ones, the families like his and the ones they lost. The only comfort he could find was that his family were still together, and soon, their suffering would be over.

**~**

It was a hot Summer, music blared from passing cars, people smiled and children queued at ice cream vans. Jack had a steady job on a building site, he had no qualifications, though you didn't need any to be a labourer. Life was good. His wife Amy, stayed at home with their three children; Jack junior, age six and twins Molly and Lisa age four. Amy worked from home selling children's clothes via the internet. Between them, they earned enough to own their own home, and have one holiday per year. Their future seemed stable. They had a few money problems, where they had to 'rob Peter to pay Paul' but nothing serious. Everything was going well, until a new Government came to power.

Jack whistled as he walked down the garden path. He was planning on having a nice bath, then sitting outside in the garden with a couple of cold cans. When he walked into the living room, Amy was standing in front of the television engrossed in what was on, she didn't hear her husband come in.

Amy … Amy, he repeated, putting his hand on her shoulder.

Amy jumped, putting a hand to her throat. Jack! You scared me half to death. I was watching that. She pointed to the screen. They've appointed a new government, it's not even voting time. There's been huge arguments on TV all day. I'm not sure what's going on, but I know I don't like it.

Who's got in? Asked Jack. Labour, Conservative, don't say Liberal Democrats?"

No, no love, it's none of those. This government elected itself. They say they have the backing of the ones that matter, and there was no need for a vote.

What! That's utter rubbish. They have to be voted in. The people have to vote them in! Jack sat in front of the television, turning up the volume. Who are they Amy?

They haven't said yet. Apparently, they will be announcing that later on this evening. Amy kissed Jack on the head. I'll go get some food on, the kids will be back from play club soon.

Okay, said Jack, as he scooted the chair closer to the TV.

The children burst in through the door, pushing and arguing amongst themselves. Then kicking off their shoes, they ran into the kitchen where their mother was about to dish up dinner.

Hey, hey, calm down you lot. You'll cause an accident when I'm carrying hot food.

Jack junior sat down first, his hands holding his knife and fork and his dark hair hanging in his eyes. Mm my favourite, bangers and mash. Thanks Mum!

The girls sat down at the same time. Ponytails swinging. Thanks Mum!

Amy smiled, put Jacks dinner on a tray and carried it in for him. Here you go love, do you want a nice cup of tea with that?

Jack looked up, took the tray and put it on his lap. Thanks love, I'd rather have a cold can, if you don't mind.

Sure, anything more happening with the government thing?

There will be. They are not saying a lot yet, but I got a feeling there's going to be riots.

Oh God, I hope not. Amy pushed her short blonde hair behind her ears. I'll go get you that drink.

Amy had some work to catch up on. So she hurried to get the children ready for bed. Jack junior went first with his PSP, then Molly and Lisa, after Amy plaited their golden hair. When they were tucked in, she kissed the girls, then went to Jacks room, telling him he had thirty minutes before lights out. Jack smiled at his mum, nodded, then went back to his game.

Downstairs, Amy turned on the computer. As always, she went to her social network page first, just to see if she had any orders in her in-box. She was shocked at what she saw. The page was alive with warnings and propaganda. There were lists of people inciting riots. Some were predicting the end of the world. Amy, easily scared, called out to Jack.

What's the matter love? he called out on his way to the dining room.

There's something going on Jack. Look at all those messages! It's not one or two, it's hundreds.

Jack put his hands on Amy's shoulders as he watched the messages scroll by. Everyone seemed angry, a riot of words spilled over on every page. What the hell is going on? he whispered. I don't like the look of this at all. He pointed at the screen. Look … They are marching on Downing Street tomorrow morning. You keep a check on here, and I'll stay tuned into the news. I want to know what this self appointed government is up to. He kissed Amy's cheek, then hurried back to the living room.

At 11 pm. The word Newsflash splashed across the TV screen. Amy, quick! there's a newsflash about to start!

Amy rushed in and sat on the floor between her husbands legs. A man they had never seen before sat behind a large desk, with a book of papers in front of him. He wore a black suit with a white turtle-neck jumper beneath. The cameras panned in and out, until they got the perfect image. The man pulled his jacket straight, coughed, took a sip of water from a glass in front of him and began.

I am a representative of the New World Order. There is no need to be alarmed. The new government will pull this country from the depths of despair and turn it into a mighty providence. The man picked up his glass and took another sip. Of course this will not be easy. There are long term strategies being put into action as I speak. Do not fight against these plans, they are for your own good. You must not rebel against the administration. They will not tolerate violence. The New World Order, has decreed that the new regulations will begin tomorrow. Go about your business as normal. You will be notified immediately when the changes affect you as individuals. Remember, the new policies are for the good of the nation. Thank you for your cooperation.

Suddenly the television screen went black. All channels were off.

What the hell was that about? asked Jack. It sounded as if he was warning us that bad things would happen if we didn't obey this damn New World Order. And that name … It sounds like science fiction. Is this a joke, is it April fools day?

Amy got up and sat on the arm of Jacks chair. Well, whatever it is, I've got a bad feeling about it. That man gave me the creeps, he didn't even blink. Those eyes, there was something strange about them.

He was just a government stooge, a bloke being paid more money for that little speech than I earn in a year. Jack pulled Amy onto his lap, kissing her full on the mouth. "There, I didn't get one when I got