Courting the Reaper

By Jackie Williams

courting the reaper is a collection of creepy, cruel, gruesome characters you don't want to meet in your worst nightmares.
check under your bed, settle back and prepare for the chilling hand of the reaper on your heart. you've been warned.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jackie Williams
• Release date: Jul 6, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311539359

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

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? 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 Jack’s 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 Jack’s 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 news-flash about to start!

Amy rushed in and sat on the floor between her husband’s 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 turtleneck 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 province. 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 Fool’s Day?

Amy got up and sat on the arm of Jack’s 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 in from work. He kissed her again. Fancy an early night? he winked. Amy smiled, jumped off his lap and ran upstairs. I guess that's a yes, he grinned. Lock up, Jack, you've pulled.

**~**

The following morning, their home was like a mad house, as usual. The twins were arguing over a school cardigan. Jack Junior couldn't find his soccer boots and Jack stood eating toast and slurping coffee at the same time. Late, he didn't have a minute to spare. Amy kept calm watching the chaos. She handed Jack his work bag, giving him a quick peck on the cheek as he rushed past her and out of the door. Taking a large gulp of coffee as she observed her rowdy children, she shouted, Right, you lot. Sit down and eat your breakfast. Twenty minutes and counting! All three children scampered around the table, sat and dug into their cereal.

Jack arrived at work with seconds to spare. All of his work colleagues were talking about the government. Jack's friend Harry walked toward him.

Morning, Jack. Say, what do you think about this New World Order bullshit?

Jack dropped his bag to the floor behind a pile of bricks. I don't know, Harry. It all seems a bit strange to me. I hear people are marching on Downing Street today.

Yea, we are too. We down tools at eleven. Mick, the brickie, is taking us down in his van.

What, all of us? asked Jack.

As many as will fit in. Dave, the chippie, is taking the rest.

What does management say about us going, Harry?

They don't know, do they? He winked. Anyway, seems they are having problems of their own. Ben Gould, the under-manager, came in early. He told us to carry on with the plans he gave us yesterday. I did notice that he had a worried look on his face.

Jack started packing bricks in his hod. I don't know if I should go, Harry. What if we get the sack? I got three kids to feed.

Harry, a short, stocky man, balding, with hands the size of shovels, narrowed his eyes. "There's no what ifs, Jack. We are all going!" Harry stared at Jack, waiting for a reply. Jack nodded, slung the hod up on his shoulder and walked over to the bricklayers.

**~**

Just inside the school gates, parents were huddled in groups, discussing last night’s events. Amy acknowledged a few, as she hurried past, hoping to get the children into school on time. She spent ten minutes talking to a teacher about Jack Junior's literacy skills. The teacher showed concern. Jack was falling behind the rest of the class. Amy agreed to give him extra tuition at home. She left the building, hoping to catch up with some friends, but they had all left. Sighing, she made her way home alone.

This morning was quieter than usual. Traffic trickled by, instead of the usual rush. Streets were practically empty, and the shops and cafés had only a sprinkling of customers. Amy shrugged to herself, then shivered, as a feeling of doom washed over her.

When she arrived home, she immediately switched on the TV and sat down. The screen remained blank. She tried all the channels: they were all blank. With Sky's full package, something should be on. After ten minutes, she gave up and booted the computer instead. Her network page had strange wording all over it. It reminded her of Egyptian or Arabic. It was all jumbled and made no sense. She tried web pages; they too had the strange letters. Confused, she picked up the telephone and dialled her parents’ number. The line was busy. She tried her friend. That was busy too. Feeling a little freaked, she went to the kitchen to make herself a coffee.

Just as she was about to place her cup next to the computer, the television came to life. It blared out, making Amy spill the hot drink over her hand. Damn it! she squealed, wiped her hand and hurried to sit in front of the TV. The representative of The New World Order stared out at her. He seemed different somehow. His features were stern, and his eyes penetrated deep into her brain. He sat there, unmoving, observing, as if he was waiting for something. Amy sat there mesmerised, unable to take her eyes from the screen. Suddenly the man opened his mouth; the sound that came out resembled that of a whale. He began with a low whistling that transformed into a loud wail. Amy shuddered, her mind unable to connect the sight with the sound. Then silence. The man turned his head from side to side, as if trying to free a trapped nerve in his neck. Then he spoke.

Good morning citizens. There have been many changes since the last time lapse. The New World Order are establishing governments in every country. There will be one set of rules for all inhabitants. No one will be exempt from the rules. At this time, we are deciphering your communications through internet and other devices. Social cameras are being installed throughout your neighbourhoods and through communications. Rebellion will not be tolerated.

The representative fell silent. His eyes moved from side to side as if engrossed in a fast paced tennis match. Amy had a feeling he was watching something, something that she couldn't see. She wanted to get up and ring her mother, but her eyes refused to leave the face of the representative. 'What in God's name is going on?' Without warning, the man slammed his fists on the desk. Amy jumped, blinking her eyes nervously. He stood up, opened his mouth wide and roared. The sound so loud, Amy thought her eardrums would burst. Closing his mouth, he focused on the screen once more.

You are insignificant humans, weak and lawless. Changes will come, defiance will not be tolerated. He snapped his fingers and the image changed. To Amy, it looked as if the news was reporting a riot in another country; until the camera panned to the street sign. Downing Street. She gasped. People were screaming and covered in blood. Men, women and children. Banners were snatched from the hands of babies and the infirm, by troops in black metallic uniforms and visored helmets. But the protesters stood firm and would not give in. At the corner of the screen, she thought she saw someone she recognised. Moving on her knees to be closer to the set, a shock ran through her. Jack! she screamed. Oh my God, Jack! What are you doing there? Get out of there!

She put her hand on the screen, in hope that she could pull him out from the violence. Her heart thumped with fear and her mind jumped with terrifying thoughts. Then it happened. The troops opened fire. People were falling like skittles. Body parts flew through the air, heads exploding. Protesters at the back of the rally turned tail and ran. They scattered like sheep, running blind from the carnage. Amy screamed, then cried, bouncing on her knees and biting into her fist.

Oh Jack! Jack…please be okay. Come home, Jack, please…oh, God, please! she begged.

Her eyes stung from the tears, but she could not avert them from the massacre unfolding. Pushchairs were scattered broken and torn, some with tiny limbs poking out from bloodied covers. Her heart was breaking and fear pushed on her bladder until it burst. Then the screen went black.

Amy glanced up at the clock. She had been staring at the television for over two hours, her eyes raw and bloodshot. In an hour, she had to collect the children from school. She questioned her sanity. 'Was any of that real? Maybe I slept and dreamed it. Things like that could not possibly happen here. This is the UK. We don't use guns on people, for God's sake.' She rushed upstairs, changed clothes, then splashed cold water on her face. Taking in a few deep breaths, she decided it was a dream. A nasty little dream. The world is the same as it’s always been. The kids are at school and Jack is at work. At half five, we'll all sit down to tea. Amy flipped the kettle switch and smiled…until she heard loud, frantic knocking on her door.

Amy opened the door with trepidation; she certainly wasn't expecting anyone. She looked twice. Standing there was a young girl of about eighteen with her three children.

Hello, Mrs. Lloyd, I'm Stacy, trainee teacher at the school. I've been told to bring the children home early, because we have to prepare for the curfew.

Amy stood there, mouth open. The girls ran to her and grabbed a leg each. Jack Junior pushed past and went into the house. Curfew? questioned Amy.

Uh, yes. We were informed by the authority about an hour ago, replied the nervous girl.

But why? What's it for?

The rioting in London today. The girl wrung her hands. Everyone must be inside with doors locked at six o'clock.

What authority? I don't understand.

The New World Order. she whispered. Sorry, but I must go.

Amy felt her legs turning to jelly; it wasn't a dream. She reversed from the door with the twins still holding onto her, slid the bolt and put on the chain.

**~**

Jack ran with the crowd, ducking and diving from the hail of bullets. Harry, close on Jack’s heels, got hit. He screamed out in pain. Jack tried to stop, but the crowd of shrieking people pushed him on. Eventually, he broke away down a side alley. He stood with his back against the wall, struggling to get his breath. After about five minutes, the crowds had passed, together with the troops who were still firing at the terrified running people. What the fuck is going on! he whispered to himself. This is madness. Who the hell are these people? Peeking out onto the main street he saw bodies of the dead and dying, and a river of blood running down the road. The carnage sickened him. He had to get home to Amy and the kids. Taking the back alleys, he managed to avoid prying eyes. If he could keep going at his present pace, he should reach home some time tomorrow. He hoped.

**~**

It was almost six o'clock and Jack had not come home. Amy's mind went into overdrive. She had seen him on the television and most of the people there had been shot to death. What if Jack had been killed? Tears streamed down her face; she wiped them away quickly, so the children wouldn't see, then busied herself preparing dinner. At six o'clock exactly, a siren sounded, so loud that Amy dropped the plate she was holding. The children ran to the door to see what was going on. Amy saw them and screamed, No! … Don't open the door. We are all under curfew, God knows what's out there!

But Mummy… whined Jack, we just want to see where the noise is coming from.

I know. She knelt down in front of the children. Listen kids, as from today a new government has taken over. These guys do things differently. For a while, no-one is allowed outside their houses after six. I know it's going to be strange, but we cannot disobey these people. Understand?

The girls nodded their heads. Jack thought for a moment. But Mum, where's Dad?! A look of panic washed over the young boy’s face. He'll be in heaps of trouble; we have to find him!

Amy held Jack's shoulders. Shush, you're scaring the girls. He'll be okay, honey. Daddy knows what he's doing. She wrapped her arms around all three children. You'll see, he'll be home before you know it.

The sirens continued to blare, and suddenly gunshots were heard. They sounded as if they were right outside the house. God help us. whispered Amy, as she ushered the children into the kitchen.

**~**

Jack had managed to get to the outskirts of the city. He found himself beneath an old, unused railway bridge. Looking around, he could see no-one, until a head popped up from the long grass.

Here … Come here! hissed a man in a blue baseball cap

Jack, unsure of what to do, heard gunshots in the distance. He put his head down and ran towards the man. Jumping into the long grass, Jack was shocked to see about ten people hidden there.

Are you stupid? asked the man in the cap. The world is at war, keep the hell out of sight.

I have been, replied Jack. I've gotta get home to my family.

Easier said than done, answered the man. These bastards have taken over Buckingham Palace, they've kicked the Queen out. These fuckers mean business.

What? asked Jack, confused.

Here, listen to this! The man put a small radio up to Jack's ear.

Jack's eyes opened wide and his mouth dropped open. The man took the radio away and nodded. See, it's madness. There's nowhere to go until morning. They'll shoot us on sight.

Jack looked at all the frightened faces around him. Who are these people?

Damned if I know, just keep down. I'm Chris, by the way. I don't know the others; we all took cover here when the siren went off.

I'm Jack, fifteen miles from home and scared shitless. Nice to meet you.

Chris nodded and put his thumb up, as he concentrated on the radio broadcast.

**~**

By nine o'clock, Amy had settled the children in bed. The girls were asleep, but Jack lay on his bed awake. Amy knew how Jack was feeling. She felt the same way. When she was halfway down the stairs, the TV activated itself. Amy hurried to the room and sat on the floor in front of it. The screen portrayed a large banner rippling in a breeze. The words New World Order were blazoned across it. At the bottom of the screen in smaller letters read 'Your future in our hands.' Amy snagged a cushion from the chair and held it tight to her tummy for comfort. Soon mystic music played and the ensign changed to the inside of Buckingham Palace. But, instead of the Queen seated behind the desk, there was a very large man, dressed in a shiny black suit, wearing sunglasses. The camera focused on the man. He entwined his large fingers together, placed his hands on the desk, and began his speech.

I am Serif. he paused, "President of The New World Order for the UK. There are many of us. We are placed in every city of your world. We have come to apply the rules to this disorganised