Before the Veil

By Kilian E. Leibundgut

These nine short stories are extremely varied. Yet they also focus on two very simple themes of Madness and Death. In each story the main characters are faced with these themes and are challenged to deal with the consequences.
These nine pieces are short snapshots into the psyches of people from ancient history and the future, with comments on justice, love and dreams among other themes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kilian E. Leibundgut
• Release date: Feb 22, 2013
• ISBN: 9783000414220

Kilian E. Leibundgut

Kilian E. Leibundgut was born in 1989, Basel Switzerland. He has long been writing in a great variety of styles ranging from poetry to essays. Kilian currently resides in Munich, Germany.

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Before the Veil - Short Stories by Kilian E. Leibundgut

Before the Veil - Short Stories

Published by Kilian E. Leibundgut at Smashwords

Cover Photo by Ron Weidner

Copyright 2013 Kilian E. Leibundgut

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, trademarked products, events, and locations are fictitious or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual events or persons, living or dead, are entirely coincidental.

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Mary's Night Job

Aphrodite de Theus

2025

Last Will and Testament

Bloody Hell

A Debt

Hung Jury

Loving Dreams

Ascent into Madness

About the Author

****

For the Four, who are my inspiration.

****

Acknowledgments

I am deeply indebted to Ricky Thompson, Kelsey Hughes, Keira Wheelan and Fiona Leibundgut for their consistent help, support and faith in me. Without them I would not have found the inner strength and dedication to write. They, along with Matthew Lloyd, Matthew Lees, Elizabeth Biber, Elliot Bishop and many others have at various times acted as sounding boards for ideas, and editors for more complete works.

I must also thank my innumerable family, spread across the globe, who have expressed a persistent support of my artistic endeavours.

Ron Weidner has an eye for amazing moments, and it his vision that took the impressive photo on the cover. I am deeply indebted to him for allowing me to use it.

Finally, my deepest and heartfelt thanks to Rebecca Jane Stockburn for her support.

****

Mary's Night Job

It must have been midnight the first time that Mary woke up. A deep and heavy sigh reverberated through her spacious room and cut straight through her dreams of skiing in the far-away Alps. With a sigh of her own, Mary turned over and snuggled deeper into her blankets and returned to her dream.

Almost an hour later the second sigh woke Mary again. This time the sigh was tinged with impatience as well as boredom.

Not tonight, please! Mary yawned sleepily.

Need I remind you, you signed a contract? A deep musical voice replied.

Reluctantly Mary sat up and rubbed her eyes. No you don't. But you've got me working 4 nights a week now! When you recruited me you told me it would be once a week max.

Well, now you've got skills, and fame. Clients request you specifically.

Doesn't mean that you have to tell them I'm always available! Mary complained.

It doesn't. The deep voice agreed.

After a long pause Mary finally relented. Fine...

Good.

Reluctantly Mary got out of bed and stumbled through the dark towards her walk-in wardrobe. Any special requests from this one Joe?

Not really, Joe's deep voice replied. Just make sure you look less like a whore and more like an escort. And remember our motto is 'superior service' not 'affordable service'. Ouch!

The yelp of pain pierced Mary's ears, but she smiled anyway. Thanks Pippa.

Any time, darling. A girlish voice replied. You shouldn't let Joe speak to you like that.

I don't really have the options that you do in retaliation, do I? Mary replied while selecting a dark blue dress from the rack. And anyway, Joe knows almost all my secrets by now. He can tease me all he likes.

Should I be jealous? Pippa asked jokingly, but Mary heard the flicker in the voice that spelled dangerous waters. Mary made sure she replied tactfully as well as playfully.

Not to worry, I've kept the best secrets for you, honey.

Glad to hear it. Pippa replied.

Anything Joe's not telling me about this one? Mary asked changing the subject.

Not really. Pippa replied, the client specifically asked for discretion, but you know that's not really unusual.

I told you. Joe interjected.

You did. Mary agreed. As she turned to her make-up table she sighed. I have got to get another job. Only silence greeted her so Mary continued, I only meant for this to be a college job.

Most people do. Pippa agreed non-committally.

But then college was done and there were all these student loans to pay off and... Mary trailed off.

And you enjoyed the luxury this job affords you. Joe finished for Mary with his usual bluntness.

You're lucky that I can't actually see you. Mary called to Joe. Pippa? Care to do the honours?

A pleasing yelp answered Mary. Thanks babe.

Don't worry so much, Pippa tried to reassure Mary, You've got skills. Is it such a pain to use them for good?

I meant I'd like to get out of the business, Pippa.

And I meant that you have other skills than the ones this job requires!

Right, sorry, honey. Mary sighed. I'm almost done in here, so anything else you want to tell me, Joe?

Address has been sent to your phone, a brief buzzing confirmed Joe's words, and there is a chance that this might become a double-job.

You might have told me earlier! Mary complained. Why do you always give me the long assignments?

You're the best. Came Joe's straight-forward answer.

Why thanks. Mary's voice dripped with sarcasm. Well, ready or not. I'm coming out.

Mary strutted from the wardrobe with an exaggerated swagger and struck a pose at the foot of her bed, facing a painting on the far wall. She wore a very short dark blue skirt, high-heeled shoes that forced her feet vertical and had tied her hair back mainly for functionality, but also for aesthetics.

Damn. Pippa breathed. Joe's silence confirmed Pippa's reaction.

Glad the two of you still like it. Mary told the wall.

Like is a bit of an understatement. Pippa exclaimed.

You could come get yourself some of this... Mary suggested playfully. Only silence greeted her words though, and she knew she had crossed the line. Sorry, babe. I didn't mean that the way it came out.

I know. Pippa replied. It's just...

Joe, still tactless as ever jumped in as Pippa's voice trailed off. Can I remind you that you're on the job?

Switching to the ear-bud. Mary grimaced, holding the bud up so the other two could see.

Just between you, and me,... and Joe I guess, Pippa whispered in Mary's ear, I kind of wish you did get out of the firm. Even though you wouldn't know me, we could meet instead of having this weird one-way relationship thing.

I know. Mary replied just as softly. But can I pay the price?

She left her bedroom, making sure to switch off the light and sweep one last gaze over her still tousled bed, the dark wardrobe and the wall with the painting. There was