Ian's Gang: The Complete Season 2

By Ian Kidd

The sensational second season of Ian's Gang introduced new danger, new mystery and new romance with the arrival of the beloved Cody Frid, who sends Ian Williams, the leader of Ian's Gang, into a hormonal tailspin as he tries to help the gang fight a massive alien invasion by a foe from the future, vampiric aliens, murderous monks, a toxic alien goo and the return of the sinister Satan-worshipping sorcerer known as Larry!
Ian's Gang - The Complete Season 2 features all the stories from this amazing season, including the 2-part "Something Evil", "That Child of Mine", "Mousetrap", the 2-part "Bloody Friday", "Dream Holiday", "The Nightmare Brigade", "Terror of the Ooze", "The Animal Lover", and the dramatic season finale "Hit and Run", all in a special bumper volume for an amazing price!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ian Kidd
• Release date: Dec 10, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370410668

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

PART ONE

CHAPTER ONE

In the village of Stoney Mead, time passed slowly. There was no need for haste, rush, panic. It was an orderly, peaceful, almost idyllic lifestyle, and had been for centuries.

But in the past few months, things had changed. The monastery overlooking the village, abandoned for centuries, had suddenly become inhabited by monks from...somewhere. The lifestyle had begun to change. Suddenly haste, rush, panic were the order of the day, and the peaceful, pleasant atmosphere had become stifling, almost threatening. The village students hadn't liked this change, nor the monks' arrival that had pushed their study place from the luxurious space of the monastery to the hopelessly cramped surroundings of Stoney Mead's tiny library. The students had protested fiercely, and been ignored by everyone. But the monks had noted their anger, and as they made their way slowly and quietly to the library, showing nothing but their oppressive brown cloaks, it seemed they intended to do something about it...

Charlotte Smith walked cheerfully down the street to Ian's Gang Base, whistling a happy tune. Clad in a white T-shirt and yellow shorts, her long golden hair flowing freely down her back, she cut a striking pose, attracting a few wolf-whistles from some brick-layers on the opposite side of the street. She grinned at them, blowing them kisses. They hooted their approval. Charlotte swigged down the last of her Coke, threw it in the waste bin, and entered Ian's Gang Base.

Charlotte entered the lounge, smiling happily. The gang were making a concerted effort not to look at her, even Dean, and succeeding admirably (especially considering her appearance). What's up? she chirped. There was no response, only an uneasy shuffling of feet. Come on, Charlotte stopped smiling, what's going on? You found out about my sordid past life in Playboy or something? Dean looked at her sharply. Just kidding, Charlotte said hurriedly. Dean looked away again. What's going on? she cried in frustration.

The inner door opened and Ian entered the room. Ah, Char, he greeted her, rather subdued, could I have a word with you, please?

Sure, Charlotte was becoming slightly worried now, and followed him from the room.

Ian led Charlotte into the study, closing the door after her. Er...Char...

Ian, what is it? Charlotte asked desperately.

Ian looked into her eyes. I've got some bad news, he said gravely. There was a phone call, from your mother. Charlotte held her breath. She – she didn't want to tell you herself, Ian continued.

Please, Ian, Charlotte said softly, tell me.

Your sister was on the school bus, Ian told her. There was a crash. I'm sorry Char but there were no survivors. I'm really sorry.

Charlotte swallowed. I see, she said, desperately trying to keep her composure. So...Alyce is dead, yes?

Yes, Ian replied quietly.

Could you leave me, please Ian? Charlotte asked. Please?

Of course, Ian left the room and Charlotte's composure crumbled. Tears flowed down her face, and she sobbed fitfully, collapsing into a chair, her head in her hands.

Outside the room, Ian heard her grieving. He shook his head sadly, and walked away.

It was an hour or so later that Charlotte emerged with puffed-up cheeks and red eyes.

You okay? Dean asked.

Charlotte nodded weakly. Ian - the funeral...

Ian nodded. I've arranged it. You pick up your ticket and go on the six o'clock train. Be with your family. Take as long as you need.

Charlotte smiled feebly. Thanks, Ian, she left the room.

Where is her home town? Dean asked, pulling out a map of England.

What's it called?

That's no use, Ian told him. Stoney Mead isn't even on the map.

Charlotte handed the ticket to the train guard. He checked it, nodded, handed it back and ushered her aboard. Charlotte made it to her seat, collapsed on it with her two suitcases, and closed her eyes.

It was going to be a long trip.

CHAPTER TWO

Charlotte stepped off the train into the darkness. It was about half a mile to Stoney Mead, and she could see the house lights across the field in the distance. Taking a breath, Charlotte began making her way over the long blades of grass...

Stoney Mead looked serene as a tired and weary Charlotte finally entered the little village. The quiet, deserted streets were bathed in an orange glow from the street lamps on either side, and it seemed both peaceful and strange. To a newcomer the stifling quiet would have seemed unnatural, but this had been Charlotte's home for most of her life, and she knew it like the back of her hand. She made her way slowly through the winding streets and passages, until at last she came across Murhill Lane. Charlotte saw her childhood home looming toward her and, in contrast to her earlier approach, ran, almost falling, to it's door, the memories of her sister almost engulfing her. Trying to stop herself from crying again, yet shaking uncontrollably, she hammered at the door to the house where she and her sister had shared so much happiness, so much laughter. The light came on and Charlotte, overcome with emotion, fell sobbing into the arms of the man she still referred to as Daddy.

Sunlight streamed in through the lace curtains on the window, waking Charlotte.

Yawning, she cast an idle glance at the bedside clock: 7:00 AM. Groaning, Charlotte buried her head under the sheets in a vain attempt to go back to the pleasant dream world where her sister still thrived. But sleep would not return, and Charlotte popped her head out resignedly from under the bedclothes, blinking in the power of the sun's rays. With another yawn, she threw the sheets aside, reached for her clothes, and began to take off her nightshirt.

You're up bright and early, Charlotte's mother, Lisa, commented. She was an attractive dark-haired woman in her mid-thirties. She looked sad, yet the laugh lines around her mouth indicated happier times and that she was usually a bright, vigorous lady.

I couldn't sleep, Charlotte replied, joining her at the breakfast table. She had bright new clothes on, and her face was scrubbed and glowing with health. I was thinking about Alyce.

I know, love, Lisa replied. So was I.

Is daddy still asleep? Charlotte asked, pouring herself some bran flakes.

Yes, Lisa's tone indicated she did not approve. He didn't have any trouble getting off, either. He seems to have taken it better than all of us. I wonder if he even cares sometimes.

Mum! Charlotte was shocked. Come on, you know dad. He just has trouble expressing his feelings, that's all. He loved Alyce as much as we did.

Lisa smiled reluctantly. I know. He's just so - so damn frustrating sometimes!

Charlotte patted her hand sympathetically. I know. But it will get better – for all of us. When...when is the funeral?

Tomorrow afternoon, Lisa told her. I can't say I'm looking forward to it.

No, Charlotte agreed, neither can I.

They sat in silence for several minutes, then the peace was disturbed by the ringing of the front door bell.

I'll get it, Charlotte sprang up, relieved to have something to take her mind off Alyce. She ran to the door and opened it, revealing a teenage girl around Charlotte's age, with long, flowing dark hair, an attractive, pretty face, and sparkling, mischievous eyes, clad in a white/blue skirt and a pink jumper. Cody! Charlotte exclaimed in delight, ushering her old friend in. Cody Frid, you old sod!

Cody grinned, yet seemed in no rush to enter the house. Hi, Char. Great to see you again, she beamed. Sorry about your sister.

Yeah, thanks, Charlotte smiled, still very pleased to see her old best friend. I thought you were dead!

Gee, thanks, Cody quipped.

No - seriously, Charlotte laughed. I thought you'd have been on the bus with Alyce.

Er...no, Cody told her. Look, could we go somewhere? There's something I think we ought to talk about.

Erm...okay, Charlotte agreed. I'll just get my jacket. Cody nodded. Charlotte ran into the kitchen. It's Cody, I'm going out. See you later, I'll just get my coat, she ran upstairs.

Lisa half-rose. Er...I wouldn't... It was too late. Charlotte had gone upstairs.

Oh no.

Charlotte dashed into her room and picked up her denim jacket. She put it on, preparing to run downstairs, but paused and decided to check on her father, as his door was half-open. Carefully, so as not to disturb him if he were still asleep, Charlotte opened the door.

Her father, dressed in work clothes, was fitting a pane of glass into the window frame. On the floor were the remains of a shattered glass pane, and a brick. Daddy, what happened?

Her father, Neil, a fair-haired muscular forty year old, swung around, scowling furiously. Get out! he hissed. GET OUT! He pushed her savagely from the room and slammed the door violently.

Half shell-shocked, Charlotte ran down the stairs and out of the house without another word.

What did you need to say? Charlotte asked Cody a couple of minutes later, when she had calmed down.

Cody paused uncertainly. Look...I don't know how to put this...

Come on, you can tell me, Charlotte urged. What is it?

Cody took a deep breath. I'm not entirely convinced your sister's death was an accident.

What do you mean?

Well, I've no proof, Cody told her frankly. But I can tell you there's something very, very strange going on in Stoney Mead.

CHAPTER THREE

Charlotte and Cody walked down the small road that was considered to be the main street in Stoney Mead.

Cody, Charlotte began, I wish you'd explain what you're trying to tell me.

Put it this way, Char, Cody told her, things have changed in the last few months.

How so? Charlotte inquired.

I guess it all started with the monks, Cody began.

Monks?! Charlotte exclaimed. What monks?

About three months ago, they arrived, Cody continued. Took over the monastery - you know, the one we used to study in? Charlotte nodded, so Cody carried on. Well, we weren't too pleased, to put it nicely. That place had been deserted for centuries and all of a sudden these guys turn up. And - get this - no one knows where they came from or who they are. They just moved in without so much as a by-your-leave. Not a word to anyone.

Yeah, I'll admit that's pretty inconsiderate, if not rude, Charlotte agreed, but what's that got to do with Alyce and a bus smash?

Well, Cody considered, about a week after they arrived, the first girl went missing. She was fifteen. A week later they found her body in the woods.

Oh, God, Charlotte breathed.

You ain't heard nothing, Cody said bleakly. She hadn't been raped or anything like that. At least that would have been remotely ordinary. No, they found her body hanging from a tree, her intestines spread out all over the floor. A ritual murder.

Jesus, Charlotte was horrified. But what about the law? Didn't they call on the monks?

Oh, sure, Cody replied. Commander Abbott went up there. And came back saying God lives in your nose and the sun shines out of those monks' backsides.

I take it you don't agree, Charlotte commented wryly.

Like hell, Cody told her. Two days later April Green went missing. She'd been staying with her aunt on holiday - you know, Miss Green?

The spinster? Charlotte asked.

That's her, Cody affirmed. Anyway, a week later they found her body. Exactly the same as the other. Well, Miss Green had a fit.

I can imagine, Charlotte frowned.

She stormed to the cops, they didn't do nothing, Cody said disgustedly. So Miss Green went to the monks herself. She was really mad.

And?

And she came back loving the monks as if they were God, and mad as a hatter.

How do you mean? Charlotte asked.

I mean, Miss Green used to be a really sweet, popular old lady, didn't she? Cody reminded her. Well now she's fanatical, a complete bitch, some say insane, and she's got wild, staring eyes that'd put the wind up Peter Cushing. You just wait 'til you see her, Cody warned, you're not gonna believe it.

Wow, Charlotte breathed. Hey - hang on a minute. I have to admit this is very strange, weird and disturbing, but what the hell does my sister have to do with this? She wasn't slaughtered by religious maniacs, she was killed with loads of others in a bus crash.

If that's so, Cody looked her in the eye, how come that same bus was ready the next morning without so much as a scratch?

What?! Charlotte demanded

It's almost like they want people to know it's not true, Cody said. Apart from which, when did this supposed crash happen? Not in the morning. I was on it then. Not in the afternoon - the bus wasn't there, and neither was anyone else who died. The last time I saw them alive was the first free period in the afternoon. They were going to the library to study - and they never came back. And get this - they were the students who'd made the most noise against the monastery being taken over.

Why didn't you?

Nothing to do with me, Cody said frankly. I always studied in the library anyway since you left. So did Alyce - but you know Alyce, she could never resist a good fight.

Yeah, Charlotte agreed, I know Alyce.

Anyway, I was going to go to the library with them that day, Cody continued, until Miss Green said she'd pay me ten bucks to do her shopping for her. So I did - and they all vanished. Scary, eh?

You're not kidding, Charlotte was shocked.

Follow me, Cody ordered, I'm going to show you something.

Where are we going?

To the library.

Cody and Charlotte entered Stoney Mead's small library. Now, Cody stopped, where do you reckon a bunch of students studying would be in here?

Charlotte looked around, frowning. Well - over there, she indicated rows of seats and tables cramped together.

Fine, Cody replied. Now look what's round nearly all the chair bottoms.

Charlotte walked over to the chairs and inspected the carpet around their feet. On it were dark patches, around every chair but one. What is this?

What do you reckon? Cody asked sadly.

Charlotte looked up, horrified. Blood?! Good God, Cody, hasn't anyone noticed this?

No, Cody told her frankly, and when I show it to them they act like it doesn't exist.

Wait a mo', Charlotte moved over to a chair. There's none around this one.

Odd, isn't it? Cody smiled. Almost as odd as the fact they haven't found Amanda Harris' body from this 'bus smash'."

Well, where is she? Charlotte demanded.

No one knows, Cody told her, and apparently no one cares.

But this is horrendous! Charlotte exploded.

I know, Cody replied, but there's just me and you - not a lot we can do about it, is there?

Wanna bet? Charlotte smiled. I'm Ian's Gang now, which means there is something I can do.

Like what?

Like taking a look at Alyce's body, Charlotte said determinedly. Right now.

We can't, Cody told her, or at least, I can't.

Why not?

It's the funeral of another of our school friends, Sylvia Morris, Cody informed her.

Oh, Charlotte became subdued, I see.

Aren't you going home to change? Cody asked.

Home? Charlotte looked slightly worried. Yes, I suppose I'd better.

CHAPTER FOUR

Charlotte entered her parents' house. It was oddly quiet. Hello? she called. There was no response. Anyone home? Nothing. Charlotte walked over to the kitchen and found a note on the table.

"Dear Charlotte

I hope you read this in time. We forgot to tell you about Sylvia Morris' funeral at 2 this afternoon."

Charlotte checker her watch - 1:45pm - and continued reading.

"We've lain suitable clothes out for you on your bed. Hope you can make it in time.

Love Mum."

Charlotte dashed upstairs to get changed, at the same time checking the window in her parents' bedroom. It was firmly in place, and there was no sign of either the broken glass or the brick she was sure had been thrown through it.

Charlotte arrived at the church just in time. Cody was there, Lisa, Neil, Sylvia's family and other mourners. Charlotte joined her parents as Sylvia's coffin was lowered into the earth.

So glad you could make it, Neil said venomously, with his back turned to her.

We are here today, Reverend Hollister began, to mourn the passing of our beloved Sylvia, so tragically taken from us by an accident beyond anyone's control. - Charlotte's eyes met Cody's - She was only sixteen years old, still in the prime of youth, which makes her passing all the more painful for those of us who remain. But in our sadness and our grief, we must remember to feel cheered by our knowledge that Sylvia has merely left this plane of existence, gone to a far, far better place, and that one day we will all be reunited with her."

Cody watched the proceedings, the glistening of a tear slowly forming in her right eye. She blinked it away, and caught sight of something - or someone - crouching in the woods . Peering across the grave over Charlotte's shoulder, in the distance, she saw a glimpse of a recognisable school uniform and started.

Charlotte noticed her movement and turned to see what she was staring at.

Ashes to ashes, Hollister recited, dust to dust...

It was a girl. Charlotte started in recognition. Amanda Harris! She raised her arm to wave and the ragged, dirty figure realised she had been seen and disappeared into the undergrowth as fast as she could.

Sylvia's mother threw dirt onto Sylvia's coffin and turned away sobbing, comforted by her husband.

Charlotte turned back, catching Cody's eye and nodding. Something very strange was going on here, and she had to find out what it was - fast.

Later, after the funeral reception, Cody and Charlotte were in the main street, back in their old clothes. Come on, Charlotte stalked determinedly down the road.

Where are we going? Cody called, struggling to keep up with her.

To the morgue.

Charlotte and Cody entered the Stoney Mead mortuary to be met with a patronising male.

We want to see a body, Cody spoke up.

Don't you think you're a bit young for a sick hobby like that? the toothless, smelly, ugly old man leered at her.

We want to see a body, Cody repeated insistently.

Too bad, the man, whose name tag read BART RAGGET, ignored her and returned to his paperwork.

Listen you stupid old fart - Cody began angrily.

Charlotte hushed her to silence and stepped up to the desk, rapping on it with her knuckles until the filthy old man looked up. Listen you stupid old fart, Charlotte began calmly, I am from Ian's Gang. I have every right to see a body, any body, and I fully intend to do so. You either assist me – or get out of my way.

Is your friend Ian's Gang? Bart leered.

She is assisting a member, Charlotte told him, unflustered, which amounts to the same thing. Well, are you going to take us to see a body or not?

Go to hell, Bart rasped.

Same to you, Charlotte replied, and punched him senseless to the floor. You deserved that, she commented, stealing his keys.

Should you have done that? Cody demanded, half-laughing in admiration.

Probably not, Charlotte admitted, but if my sister died in any way other than a bus crash, then quite frankly my dear, I don't give a damn.

The mortuary was a dull, grim, depressing place and Cody voiced her less than admiring feelings for it.

Well what did you expect? Charlotte asked. A disco?

Very funny.

Ssh, Charlotte silenced her. Look for Alyce Smith on these tags. Find it, tell me.

They searched for several minutes until Cody called out, Charlotte, over here!

Charlotte ran over to her friend. Yeah, this is it, alright, she agreed, glancing at Cody. You ready?

No, Cody shook her head, but you'd better get on with it.

Charlotte nodded. She took a deep breath and pulled open the long drawer, only to pull back with Cody, both gasping in horror at what they saw.

The thing in the drawer was wearing Alyce's clothes and had Alyce's blonde hair, but it was difficult to identify her otherwise. Instead of her pretty face and voluptuous body all that remained of Charlotte's sister was a bloodless, decaying, skeletal husk.

CHAPTER FIVE

Charlotte and Cody walked slowly away from the mortuary, looking pale and drawn.

Well, you were right, Charlotte spoke. "Whatever killed Alyce and the others, it sure as hell wasn't a bus crash.

Yeah, Cody agreed hollowly, so why do I wish I wasn't? They turned a street corner - and stood stock still.

Ahead of them, in a line, blocking the street, were five hooded monks.

Ah, Charlotte realised. I assume these our friendly neighbourhood religious maniacs?

Charlotte, Cody tugged at her arm, don't try anything. We've no proof they did it, and you didn't even bring your gun. Leave it for now, Char, leave it. A shuffling behind them made them turn. Five more monks blocked the street behind them.

We may not have a choice, Charlotte replied, turning back. She grasped Cody's arm. Come on. They began walking toward the monks, occasionally glancing back to reassure themselves the others hadn't moved. They reached the monks and stood face-to-hoods. Excuse me, Charlotte said firmly. Could you let us pass?

The monks parted, leaving a space through to the rest of the street.

Charlotte and Cody passed them, their eyes never leaving their shadowy forms. When they felt far enough in front, they released each other and turned, breathing a sigh of relief. Ten monks were facing them, unmoving.

Cody swallowed nervously. Char, I think we'd better go.

Charlotte nodded slowly. Mm, she agreed, turning back. They walked a few paces, then looked back again and started in surprise.

The monks had vanished.

The two friends walked in silence until they reached Charlotte's parents' house.

Well, Charlotte said, I guess I'll see you tomorrow.

I guess so, Cody smiled. Char - what are we going to do? Are you going to call in the gang?

I don't know, Charlotte sighed. I don't know. I don't think so - not yet. Before I involve them I think we ought to know exactly what we're up against.

Cody nodded reluctantly. Yeah, I suppose that makes sense. I'd better be getting back. See you.

See you, Charlotte replied softly. Cody walked away as Charlotte stepped inside the house.

Dinner in the Smith household was strained to say the least. Charlotte couldn't eat - she just kept seeing the husk that had once been her sister - and she couldn't bring herself to start talking for fear her parents wouldn't believe her story.

Neil sat in silence, but he was obviously still in a foul mood and kept casting Charlotte dark looks.

Lisa simply couldn't be bothered to lift either of them out of it and consequently the meal was not an unmitigated success.

Why aren't you eating? Neil spoke at last, his voice full of venom.

Charlotte looked up wearily. I - I don't feel like it.

You don't feel like it, Neil mimicked nastily. Lisa didn't feel like cooking, but she did. The least you could do is have the decency to eat it, you ungrateful little -

Neil, Lisa said sharply. Neil looked her in the eye and Lisa was suddenly very, very afraid. This wasn't the man she had married, and she shrank back in her seat in fear.

Deciding she'd better get out before Neil restarted his verbal attack, Charlotte spoke up. I'm going to bed, she said quickly, and ran upstairs before anyone could stop her.

It was 2am, and Charlotte was sleeping peacefully in her night-shirt. The moon's rays lit up the almost bare bedroom, giving it a strange beauty. All was quiet, peaceful.

A brick smashed through the bedroom window. Charlotte leapt to her feet instantly, looking around in confusion. Taking in the smashed glass and the brick, she ran to the window and stared out into the night, but could see nothing. Then mad, hysterical laughter echoed around the street, chilling her blood.

Did that scare you, dearie? a voice crooned in the midst of the manic laughter. Did it scare you? the voice screeched, and then collapsed into hysterical laughter again before finally fading away.

Charlotte's bedroom door was flung open and Neil stormed in, his face filled with fury. What are you doing out of bed?! he roared. Get back to sleep! Now!

What about - Charlotte protested feebly, indicating the damage.

I'll replace it in the morning, Neil snapped.

Aren't you going to call the police? Charlotte demanded.

Neil stared at her like she was the one who was crazy, and gave a short bark of laughter. God, you're a stupid little cow, he said viciously. Do what you're told for once in your life and get back to bed! Now!

Scared by this more than anything she'd seen that day, Charlotte climbed back into her bed, clutching the bed-sheets.

Without another word, Neil stormed out of the room and slammed the door, leaving Charlotte shaking with fear.

Hi, Char, Cody greeted her friend when she stepped out to meet her the next morning, dressed in long black trousers and a green sweater. Cody herself was clad in a long black dress. You okay? she asked. You look a little pale.

I'm okay, Charlotte sighed. Just didn't get much sleep, that's all.

Alyce's funeral is at three, isn't it? Cody asked.

Yes, Charlotte nodded, and I'm dreading it.

Charlotte's dread was in vain. The funeral went quite smoothly, aside from Charlotte and Cody's disgust at the Reverend using exactly the same speech as he had for Sylvia's. Charlotte, Cody and Lisa were reduced to tears, but Neil stood apparently unmoved as his daughter's body was lowered into the ground, which upset Charlotte and Lisa even more. But barring that, it went by without incident.

It was the reception that was a disaster.

CHAPTER SIX

The party began smoothly enough in the Church Hall.

There was food, drink, talk. Most of the mourners were quite cheerful considering the circumstances, and even Cody and Charlotte managed to put a brave face on things. Lisa and Neil were sitting down at a table, Neil not talking and unmoving, with Lisa whispering gently to him and obviously getting more and more upset by his continued lack of response.

Suddenly, the almost 'happy' atmosphere dispersed and the cheerful chattering subsided. Charlotte turned around to see what was going on and saw Miss Green.

She hardly recognised her at first; the neat hairstyle, tidy clothes and sweet, gentle face were gone. Her clothes were dirty and crumpled, her hair wild and out of control, her eyes wide and staring, never blinking (mad eyes, thought Charlotte) and her wrinkled face was hard and cold. Hello dearies, she crooned. Having fun?

Charlotte started in shock. That was the voice of the person who had thrown the brick through the window the previous night.