Ian's Gang: Homecoming

By Ian Kidd

Matthew Parker, Robert Stevens and Claire Braithwaite's return home to Zerroff is marred by a series of bizarre murders somehow linked to their childhood.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ian Kidd
• Release date: May 16, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310376603

Ian Kidd

I grew up in South Yorkshire, England, before emigrating to South Australia at the age of sixteen. My writing ambitions began as a child, when I became notorious in my class for writing short horror stories that would probably have them calling in the child psychologists nowadays! I have written everything from non-fiction ebooks to published short fiction, and served as script editor on two proposed horror feature film scripts for an LA based director. In terms of fiction I have written dozens of novellas, including more than 70 stories in the "Ian's Gang" sci-fi adventure series. I still live in Queensland, where I work as a freelance writer.

Book preview

IAN’S GANG – HOMECOMING

BY

IAN KIDD

Ian’s Gang © Ian Kidd 2016

Published by Smashwords

IAN’S GANG

Are:

Ian Williams

Matthew Parker

Steve Botham

Philip Vasquez

Sean O’Reilly

Commander Wilburts

Claire Braithwaite

CHAPTER ONE

Twelve years ago.

It was a special day at Elto Court Junior School, and Robert Stevens and Prince Matthew Parker were among their friends as the eleven year olds gathered in their classroom.

As you all know, their beloved teacher, the elderly (and slightly dotty, but in a nice way) Mrs Auty, was saying, next year you will be going up to big school for your final three years of schooing.

Matthew and Robert looked at each other excitedly from across the classroom. They’d been discussing big school that very playtime, and had mutually agreed on the most attractive part of going there. Girls. Older girls.

As I’m sure you know, Mrs Auty continued, you will be going into different classes and will not necessarily be with each other or all of your friends.

There were mutinous rumblings among the class.

However, Mrs Auty continued with a reassuring smile, to try and assure that everyone ends up with at least one friend in the class they go into in big school, we would like you all to make a list of your friends, starting with the person you would most like to be in the same class with.

Matthew and Robert looked across at each other and gave a mutual, almost imperceptible, nod.

Mrs Auty handed out paper and pens. Go on then, she encouraged fondly. Write your list.

Robert instantly wrote Matthew Parker as the first name on his list.

Matthew instantly wrote Robert Stevens as the first name on his list.

Robert almost as instantly wrote Carol Braithwaite as the second name on his list.

Matthew almost as instantly wrote Carol Braithwaite as the second name on his list.

After considerably more time and thought, Robert wrote Steven Buttle on his list and then, grudgingly, crossed out the name and replaced it with Claire Braithwaite instead.

After considerably more time and thought, Matthew wrote Paul Francis on his list, and then, reluctantly, crossed out the name and replaced it with Claire Braithwaite instead.

All done? Mrs Auty beamed. Splendid.

As Mrs Auty collected the pieces of paper, Matthew gave Robert a reassuring wink.

As the final bell rang, Matthew and Robert barged out of class at around 3 pm, almost bumping into another teacher, Mrs Sellers.

Watch where you’re going, boys, Sellers said sternly.

Matthew rolled his eyes contemptuously as he and Robert hurried away. Yes, Miss, he mocked. You old witch!

Robert giggled.

The twins were already out and heading for their ride home as Matthew and Robert dashed to meet them.

Hi Carol, Matthew said breathlessly.

Hi Carol, Robert said, less breathlessly.

Hi! Claire waved with heavy sarcasm.

Are we doing something tonight? Matthew wanted to know.

You know we can’t, Claire pointed out, rather irritated. You know the old farts won’t let us out on a school night.

We could come over to yours, Matthew suggested.

Matthew, Carol shook her head. You know you can’t.

Why ever not? Matthew beamed.

You know why, Claire said, more annoyed than ever.

Matthew glanced at her briefly, wondering if she’d hit puberty early and was already having PMS. They’re arseholes?

Matt!